New figures from the Electoral Commission show that of the four main political parties in the city, only the Liberal Democrats were entirely funded during the election period by locally sourced donations.

A Lib Dem spokesman said:
"Since the start of the 'long' election campaign in January the Green Party, Conservative and Labour were heavily funded by people and businesses from miles away.

"Only the Lib Dems ran an entirely locally funded campaign. Whilst the lackluster Labour campaign was heavily reliant on London-registered Trade Unions, the Tory donations were made as far away as Iver and the Green Party, astonishingly, Worcester."

Lawrence Eke, Chairman of Brighton and Hove Lib Dems, said:  
"Only the Liberal Democrats in the city ran a General Election campaign entirely based on small, local donations.  We are in no-one's pocket.

"All this outside money is distorting politics in the city.  It is astonishing that more people or groups from outside of the city spend money on their favourite candidate than people from inside it.

"But why should people from outside the city decide our elections?"

For more information about the Liberal Democrats view:
www.brighton-hovelibdems.org.uk