There "will be a record level of donations" to UK political parties in the run-up to a general election, says Dr Sam Power, senior lecturer in politics at the University of Sussex, southern England. He puts the prediction at least partially down to the lack of a cap on donations in the UK. "The primary risk is one of undue influence" he says, explaining that this "circumvents what we hold dear in the democratic process". Power is sure of scandals cropping up ahead of the vote, "I'd put pretty good money on it" he says. An election date has yet to be announced but it is expected to be held in October or November. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES