Monthly update – concluded investigations (December 2018)

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 offences were found and sanctions imposed:

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Decision taken Outcome
Conservative and Unionist Party Late delivery of Quarter 4 2017 donations and loans report £6,000 variable monetary penalty Paid on 5 December 2018
Liberal Democrats Failure to deliver accurate spending return for 2016 Scottish Parliament election £500 variable monetary penalty Paid on 14 December 2018
Kendal and Westmoreland Liberal Club (unincorporated association) Failure to provide notification of gifts to a political party exceeding £25,000, and notification of gifts received by due date £400 variable monetary penalty Paid on 15 November 2018
Spennymoor Independents Late delivery of 2017 statement of accounts £200 fixed monetary penalty Paid on 12 December 2018
Scottish Democrats Late delivery of 2017 statement of accounts £200 fixed monetary penalty Paid on 22 November 2018
Hextable Independent Late delivery of 2017 statement of accounts £200 fixed monetary penalty Due for payment on 27 December 2018

Commenting on the fines, Bob Posner, Director of Political Finance and Regulation & Legal Counsel at the Electoral Commission, said:

The reporting requirements are clear, so it is always disappointing when parties and campaigners fail to comply. The law clearly states when financial data is required to be submitted to the Commission. There can be no excuse as to why well-funded political parties in particular are not able to comply with their legal requirements. We will continue to enforce these requirements on all parties and campaigners to ensure voters have the information they need.

Investigations where offences were found but no sanction imposed:

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Decision taken Outcome
Co-op Party Late delivery of quarterly donations report No sanction Closed without further action
Vapers in Power Late delivery of 2017 statement of accounts No sanction Closed without further action
Temple and Farringdon Together Late delivery of 2017 statement of accounts No sanction Closed without further action
Wales Ireland Scotland England Reunited Late delivery of quarterly donations and loans reports, annual accounts No sanction Closed without further action
Mr Paul Fisher Incurring campaign expenditure on behalf of the Liberal Democrats at the 2017 UKPGE without the proper authorisation from the party. No sanction Closed without further action

Ends

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office:

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.