A recent report from Transparency International has revealed that both the UK and the US have experienced significant declines in their Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) rankings, highlighting a troubling trend of deteriorating integrity in established democracies. The findings underscore the increasing influence of political donations and the targeting of dissenters, raising alarms over the integrity of democratic institutions.
Troubling Trends in Corruption Perceptions
The Corruption Perceptions Index, which evaluates the perceived levels of public sector corruption across 182 nations, placed Denmark at the top for the eighth consecutive year, while South Sudan languished at the bottom. The latest data shows that only 31 countries improved their scores, while 50 saw declines, a trend that experts have described as alarming, particularly in long-standing democracies like the UK and US.
In the UK, the decline has been pronounced, with its ranking slipping from seventh in 2015 to a disheartening 20th place in 2025. The UK’s score dropped to 70 out of 100, a slight decrease from 71 the previous year. Transparency International attributed this decline to the overwhelming influence of wealthy donors on political parties, particularly in the wake of the 2024 general election.
Political Donations Under Scrutiny
The report specifically highlighted political funding issues, noting that the Conservative Party received an eye-watering £15 million from a single donor within a year. This donation, linked to businessman Frank Hester, has sparked controversy, especially after revelations of his troubling comments that were deemed racist and sexist. Critics have called for the party to return these funds.
Labour was not spared scrutiny either, as its largest donor, Waheed Alli, gained access to No 10, raising concerns about preferential treatment for major benefactors. Such revelations have led to calls for reforms to mitigate the influence of money in politics.
A Year of Scandals Ahead?
Transparency International warned that the UK is likely to remain “mired in scandal” as it grapples with the implications of its political funding landscape. The questionable ties between Labour figures and controversial individuals, including the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, have further complicated the political narrative.
Daniel Bruce, chief executive of Transparency International UK, expressed concern that the declining scores are indicative of a deeper malaise within the political culture. He emphasised the need for the government to take decisive action to restore integrity, such as curbing the power of big money in politics and ensuring transparent governance.
The US Decline
The United States also faced a decline in its CPI ranking, falling from 28th to 29th place, now scoring its lowest ever at 64. This decline is attributed to a range of factors, including the politicisation of public office and attacks on independent journalism and civil society. The report noted that while the data reflects perceptions from 2025, it does not encompass all events that transpired during that year, particularly during Donald Trump’s second term.
Transparency International highlighted a troubling normalisation of conflicted politics in the US, warning that these developments could lead to further declines in the future.
Why it Matters
The findings from the Corruption Perceptions Index are a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in both the UK and the US. As political donations increasingly shape policy and governance, public trust erodes, threatening the very fabric of democracy. The need for robust measures to combat corruption and reinforce integrity in political processes has never been more urgent. Without significant reform, the risk of further decline looms large, with implications not only for governance but also for the global standing of these nations.
