Guidance for Candidates and Agents at UK Parliamentary by-elections in Great Britain

What happens if you don’t follow the rules?

If you do not comply with the legal or regulatory requirements, you may be subject to criminal sanctions.  If you win the election and someone succeeds in an election petition against your campaign activities or reporting, you could be barred from holding office.

If you take donations that you can’t legally accept, we may apply to the courts for them to be forfeited.

You can find more information about the Commission’s regulatory role on our website.

Last updated: 9 January 2024