Representation of the People Bill
UK 2026 bill amending electoral law: crypto donation ban, overseas cap, shell company rules.
Last refreshed: 10 April 2026
Can a retrospective donation ban withstand a legal challenge from Reform UK?
Latest on Representation of the People Bill
- What does the Representation of the People Bill actually change?
- It bans Cryptocurrency donations to political parties with retrospective effect, caps overseas elector donations at £100,000 per year, and restricts shell company donations.
- Why was crypto banned for political donations?
- The Rycroft Review found that Cryptocurrency donations are difficult to trace and verify, creating a loophole in party finance transparency. The ban applies retrospectively.
- Does the crypto donation ban apply to donations already received?
- Yes. Parties have 30 days after Royal Assent to return any Cryptocurrency donations rendered unlawful. The retrospective element is constitutionally unusual for UK electoral law.
Background
The Representation of the People Bill is a 2026 piece of UK primary legislation amending the framework governing elections and political finance. The bill incorporates recommendations from the Rycroft Review and introduces some of the most significant changes to UK electoral law since PPERA 2000 passed a quarter-century earlier. Its provisions include a retrospective ban on Cryptocurrency donations, a £100,000 cap on donations from overseas-registered electors, and new restrictions on shell companies making political contributions.
The retrospective Nature of the crypto donation ban is its most contested provision. Reform UK confirmed it had accepted Cryptocurrency donations before any legislative bar existed; the bill would require those funds to be returned within 30 days of Royal Assent. Critics argue retrospective legislation raises rule-of-law concerns, while supporters say the donations would have been unlawful under the spirit of existing finance rules.
The bill is progressing through Parliament on an accelerated timetable to receive Royal Assent before the May 2026 local elections and devolved elections in Scotland and Wales. The Electoral Commission will gain additional investigative powers under its final provisions.