Boost UK political system or face ‘Trumpian’ disaster, campaigners urge

Exclusive: Unlock Democracy proposes series of measures and warns of over-reliance on conventions and norms'

The next UK general election could be a disaster of Trumpian proportions" if the Labour government does not adopt measures to boost public trust in the political system, former ministers and campaigners have warned.

A cap on political donations and wider powers for the House of Lords Appointments Commission to block unsuitable peer nominations are among 54 proposals laid out in a paper from the campaign group Unlock Democracy.

Cabinet ministers must be confirmed by MPs' select committees and parliament should ratify new prime ministers before the new government can bring forward a king's speech.

Close loopholes that allow unincorporated associations to conceal the source of their political donations or overseas residents to donate to political parties

A 200 per-item limit on freebies for MPs or ministers and a cap on earnings from second jobs at half an MP's salary.

Amend the MPs' code of conduct and the Recall of MPs Act 2015 so they can be punished for failing to fulfil their responsibilities.