Monthly update – concluded investigations
Intro
Details of the investigations concluded in the last month have been published today by the Electoral Commission. This is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.
Investigations where an offence was found:
| Name and type of regulated entity | What was investigated | Offences found | Decision taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Britain (registered non-party campaigner) |
Failure to deliver a complete campaign spending return for 2019 European Parliament election |
Failure to deliver a complete campaign spending return for 2019 European Parliament election |
Variable monetary penalties totalling £3,000 |
| UK European Union Party (registered political party) |
Failure to deliver a complete campaign spending return for 2019 European Parliament election; failure to deliver accompanying signed declaration |
Failure to deliver a complete campaign spending return for 2019 European Parliament election; failure to deliver accompanying signed declaration |
Fixed monetary penalty £200 Due for payment 20 October 2021 |
| Taking the Initiative (registered political party) |
Failure to deliver annual statement of accounts on time |
Failure to deliver annual statement of accounts on time
|
No sanction imposed. Closed without further action |
| Represent Us Ltd (registered non-party campaigner) | Late receipt/payment of campaign spending invoices | Payment of campaign expenses claim received after 30 days without leave; payment of campaign expenses claim outside 60 days | No sanction imposed. Closed without further action |
| The League Against Cruel Sports (registered non-party campaigner) | Late payment of campaign spending invoices | Payment of campaign expenses claim outside 60 days | No sanction imposed. Closed without further action |
Following an election, political parties and campaigners must pay all invoices received on time from suppliers within 60 days of the election. Any invoices received 30 days after the election must not be paid without first obtaining leave from a court.
Commenting on the concluded investigations, Dan Adamson, Head of Monitoring and Enforcement said:
“The reporting requirements and rules around payment of expenses for parties and campaigners are clear, and it is important they are met. This gives voters the opportunity to see timely data on how parties receive and spend their money.”
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 Editor
- 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.
- 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, as do forfeited donations. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.