Monthly update – concluded investigations (January 2021)

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
Independent Network (registered political party) Failure to notify the Commission of changes to its registered officers within the 30 day limit Failure to notify the Commission of changes to its registered officers within the 30 day limit Two variable monetary penalties totalling £750. Due for payment by 9 February 2021
Shropshire Defend Our NHS (unregistered non-party campaigner) and Bluetree Design and Print Limited (printer) Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material Offence found in respect of Shropshire Defend Our NHS.
No offence found in respect of Bluetree Design and Print		 No sanction. Closed without further action
Julian Dunkerton (unregistered non-party campaigner) and Paperbox (printer) Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material No sanction. Closed without further action
Keep Our St Heliers Hospital (unregistered non-party campaigner) and Leaflet Frog Ltd (printer) Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material No sanction. Closed without further action
3rd Party Ltd (registered non-party campaigner) Late delivery of statement of relevant donations for 2019 UKPGE Late delivery of statement of relevant donations for 2019 UKPGE No sanction. Closed without further action

 

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

“Imprints on campaign material provide vital transparency for voters about who is spending money to influence them at elections. It is therefore important we investigate where we have concerns, and remind campaigners of their duties, even if we do not impose a sanction. 

“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 offences were found

Investigations where no offences were found:

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Labour Party (registered political party) Failure to deliver accurate quarterly donations report No offence found Closed without further action
Greenpeace Ltd (registered non-party campaigner) Late delivery of campaign spending return for 2019 UKPGE; failure to deliver complete 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.