UK sinks to new low on corruption index

The effect of the Epstein-Mandelson scandal

It comes amid political turmoil over party donations and as Keir Starmer’s government is struggling to recover from the Epstein-Mandelson scandal.

This marks the lowest point for the UK since the major revamp of the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2012.

On the list, Britain remains 20th for the third year in a row, while in the past it ranked in the top ten positions.

A total of 182 countries are rated on their perceived levels of public sector corruption by Transparency International, a campaign group which is dedicated to exposing corruption.

“In the UK, the past decade has seen major domestic scandals, the awarding of favours and honours to political donors, and MPs working as lobbyists for paying clients and corrupt regimes”, Transparency International said in a statement.

The report comes as the UK government finds itself “mired in scandal” over the relationship between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, the authors highlighted.

Political parties that spend record amounts on election campaigning are other issues that damaged Britain’s corruption levels.

Over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come under heavy scrutiny and there were calls for his resignation.

Mandelson was appointed in the role in spite of his friendship with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

In the report, it is also noted that the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, had considered a $100 million (£85m) donation to Reform UK, Nigel Farage’s party.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has been accused of soliciting cash in return for political access, with donor Waheed Alli receiving a privileged pass to Downing Street.

“For three years running, the UK has been stuck at 20th place in the Corruption Perceptions Index with a score that continues to deteriorate. This persistent decline is not a temporary blip – it risks becoming a defining feature of our political culture”, Daniel Bruce, chief executive of Transparency International UK said.