07 Aug 2007
Today's judgement makes clear that all the donations in question were impermissible. The Commission welcomes the courts decision that UKIP should surrender some of those donations. However, we are disappointed that the court did not order forfeiture of all the impermissible donations. This is the first time that the law on donations has been tested in court. We will study the judgement carefully and will consider whether to appeal. Public confidence in our democracy depends on political parties abiding by the rules. The Commission will continue to intervene where necessary to make sure those rules are followed.
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For further information please contact:
020 7271 0529 / 0530 / 0531
email: press@electoralcommission.org.uk
outside office hours 07789 920414
Notes to editors:
1. The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) came into force on the 16 February 2001 and requires registered political parties to submit quarterly donation reports to the Commission. These reports must include all donations over £5,000 to main political party offices and over £1,000 to constituency or local party offices.
2. Parties may accept donations of over £200 only if they are deemed 'permissible' under the terms of PPERA. 'Permissible' donors include individuals who are listed on the UK electoral register; or companies which are registered under the Companies Act 1985, incorporated in the UK or another member state which carries on business in the UK.
3. If a party accepts a donation that is impermissible, the Electoral Commission may apply to a court to seek forfeiture of an amount equal to the donation. Any amount forfeited is paid into the Consolidated Fund
4. To search the donations register, visit the Commissions website www.electoralcommission.org.uk and go to 'Register of donations to political parties using the 'donations' link on the home page.
5. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our mission is to foster public confidence and participation by promoting integrity, involvement and effectiveness in the democratic process.
