How to register your political party

Once you have registered successfully we will send you information about your obligations as a registered political party.  

Under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), a registered political party must, for example:  

• make sure all donations and loans over £500 come from mainly UK-based sources
• report donations and loans every quarter, and report weekly during a UK Parliamentary general election 
• keep to campaign spending limits at elections, and report campaign spending to us  
• keep accurate accounts and records
• send us annual accounts
• if the party’s income or expenditure is over £250,000 a year, also send an auditor’s report on your annual accounts
• operate consistently with your constitution and financial scheme, and keep them current 
• keep the party’s details up to date, and confirm them annually

These rules are to ensure the integrity and transparency of party political finance. If you don’t follow them, you may be subject to fines or other enforcement action by us or the police. 

You have significant responsibilities as an officer of a political party, so it’s important that you understand these fully before you register with us. You should make sure you familiarise yourself with the guidance available for political parties on our website.  

In addition we also provide guidance to candidates and agents on how to stand for election and their rights and responsibilities.