Electoral Commission publishes concluded investigation update (April 2024)

Electoral Commission publishes concluded investigation update

The Electoral Commission has fined the Conservative and Unionist Party £1,500 after concluding an investigation into the party’s failure to accurately report donations and loans. The announcement is part of the Commission’s monthly update on concluded investigations.

Investigations where offences were found:


Who we investigated		What we investigated
What we found		Outcome
Conservative and Unionist Party (registered political party)The late reporting of nine donations, the incorrect reporting of five donations, and two late reported loan transactions14 offences found

Five fines totalling £1,500

Penalties paid on 28 March 2024

Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation, said: 

"Our investigation into the Conservative and Unionist Party found a number of donations inaccurately reported, and donations and loans reported late. The political finance laws we enforce are there to ensure transparency in how parties are funded and to increase public confidence in our system, so it’s important funding is reported accurately and on time.” 

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 for sanctions from previous months are available.
  3. Penalties imposed by the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.