Electoral Commission concludes investigations into two political parties (August 2024)

Investigations into two political parties have closed over the last month, with the Electoral Commission imposing fines in both cases. 

Who we investigatedWhat we investigated
What we found		Outcome
Liberal Democrats (registered political party)The late reporting of 23 donations22 offences found

Five fines totalling £3,600

Penalty paid on 2 August 2024

Richmond Park Constituency Labour Party (accounting unit)The party’s failure to deliver its 2022 statement of accounts by the deadlineOne offence found

One fine of £1,000

Penalty paid on 26 July 2024

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: 

“The laws we enforce are there to ensure there is transparency over the money spent and received by political parties, and to increase public confidence in our system. It’s important that parties comply with the requirements, and report to us in a timely fashion.”

Ends

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

  1. 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, Welsh and Scottish parliaments.
  2. 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 of investigations closed in previous months are available on our website.
  3. Penalties imposed by the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.