Electoral Commission concludes investigations into three political parties (July 2023)
Electoral Commission concludes investigations into three political parties
Investigations into three political parties have closed over the last month, with no sanctions imposed by the Electoral Commission.
Investigations where offences were found:
| Who we investigated | What we investigated | What we found | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| All for Unity (political party) | Failure to deliver two quarterly donations and loans reports by due date | Offences found | No sanction |
| English Democrats (political party) | Failure to deliver a complete statement of accounts | Offences found | No sanction |
| Irish Republican Socialist Party (political party) | Failure to deliver five quarterly donations and loans reports by due date | No determination of offence | No sanction |
Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation, said:
"It is important for transparency that voters have timely and accurate information about political parties’ finances. Political finance laws ensure that the system is both transparent and accurate. These laws are clear, so it is always disappointing when they are not met.
“Our investigations into All for Unity and English Democrats found offences, but no sanctions were issued. Where we find offences, we carefully consider the circumstances. We consider a range of factors, as set out in the Enforcement Policy, before deciding whether to impose sanctions, including proportionality. Publishing information on closed investigations is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.”
For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected].
Notes to editors
- The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
• enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible.
• regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches.
• using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency.
The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK and Scottish Parliaments. - This release forms part of the Commission’s regular monthly investigations update, an important part of its commitment to deliver transparency in political finance in the UK. Information of this nature is published routinely on the third Tuesday of each month. Details for sanctions from previous months are available.
- Penalties imposed by the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.