A police investigation into claims former Conservative MP Mark Menzies misused donors' money to pay "bad people" has been dropped after he agreed to repay the money. Police opened an investigation into Menzies last year after accusations the then-MP for Fylde had used campaign funds for personal expenses. BBC News understands that at least some of that money was used to pay sex workers.
George Cowcher, councillor and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, expressed concerns about the proposal, stating, "These proposals are all about spending some money so they can have a chum in their group and I think that is not particularly helpful given the financial state of this council."
Billionaire Bill Ackman has pledged hundreds of millions to support a viable challenger to New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, underscoring his concerns for the city.
The proposed increase in contribution limits for officeholder accounts aims to modernize fundraising practices that haven't been updated since 1999, aligning with contemporary political needs.