Monthly update - concluded investigations (January 2020)

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 Offences found Decision taken
GO Movement Ltd (permitted participant at the EU referendum) Failure to submit an accurate referendum spending return; failure to submit a declaration of notional expenditure; failure to report referendum expenses incurred as part of a common plan Failure to submit an accurate referendum spending return  £400 variable monetary penalty due by 12 February 2020
Green Party (registered political party) Failure to notify Commission of a change of registered accounting unit officer by due date Failure to notify Commission of a change of registered accounting unit officer by due date £400 variable monetary penalty paid on 13 January 2020
The Entertainment Party (registered political party) Late delivery of 2018 statement of accounts Late delivery of 2018 statement of accounts £350 variable monetary penalty due by 10 February 2020
Black Country Party (registered political party) Late delivery of quarterly donations and transactions reports Late delivery of quarterly donations and transactions reports £200 fixed monetary penalty paid on 9 January 2020

Commenting on the fines imposed, Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation, said: 

“The reporting requirements are clear, so it is always disappointing when parties and campaigners fail to submit accurate and timely reports. It is vital that voters are given an opportunity to see full, accurate data on where parties’ and campaigners’ money comes from and how it is spent.

“The Commission will continue to enforce these requirements on all parties and campaigners to ensure that voters have the information they need.”

Investigations where no sanctions were imposed:

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Carlton Club (members association) Failure to return an impermissible donation within 30 days of receipt' failure to deliver a donation report within 30 days of acceptance No offences found No sanction. Closed without further action
Sovereign Republic Failure to deliver 2018 accounts No determination of offence. No sanction. Closed without further action

Ends

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.

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 sanctions from previous months can be found on our website.

Penalties imposed by the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.