Summary

Details of 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:

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Unite the Union (registered non-party campaigner) Late delivery of 2019 European Parliamentary election spending return; failure to include a compliant declaration with spending return Late delivery of 2019 European Parliamentary election spending return; failure to include a compliant declaration with spending return Two variable monetary penalties totalling £750 imposed. Paid on 5 February 2021
Councillor Matt Kerr (regulated donee) Failure to report donations within 30 days Failure to report donations within 30 days £200 fixed monetary penalty imposed. Paid on 25 January 2021

 

Commenting on the concluded investigations, Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation, said: 

“The reporting requirements are clear, so it is always disappointing when they are not met. It is vital that voters have the opportunity to see timely data on how campaigners spend their money and who is donating to elected officials. 

“The Commission will continue to enforce these requirements to ensure that voters have the information they need.”

Investigations where no offences were found:
 

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Campaign Central Ltd (registered non-party campaigner) Failure to deliver complete campaign spending return for 2019 European Parliamentary election No offence found Closed without further action
Fair Tax Campaign Ltd (registered non-party campaigner) Failure to deliver accurate campaign spending return for 2019 UKPGE No offence found Closed without further action
Tactical.vote (registered non-party campaigner) Failure to deliver accurate campaign spending return for 2019 UKPGE No offence found Closed without further action

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

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. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.