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

Personal expenses

Personal expenses include the reasonable travel and living expenses (such as hotel costs) of the candidate.1  Personal expenses do not count towards spending limits but you must report them in your spending return.2

Personal expenses may include car hire for the candidate if the candidate does not already own a car, or if their car is not suitable for campaigning. For example, if you are standing in a rural electoral area, it may be reasonable to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle to access remote areas.

Once officially a candidate, the candidate can only pay up to £600 in total of personal expenses.3  The agent must pay any sums above this amount.

Candidates must provide a written statement of their personal expenses to their agent within 21 days of the result being declared.4

Last updated: 23 May 2024