Monthly update - concluded investigations (March 2022)

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.

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain Party (registered political party) Late delivery of annual statement of accounts Late delivery of annual statement of accounts No sanction imposed
Liberal Democrats (registered political party) Failure to deliver compliant Q2 2020 donations report Failure to deliver compliant Q2 2020 donations report £1,000 variable monetary penalty
Unite the Union (registered non-party campaigner) Late delivery of audit report to accompany its spending return for 2019 UK Parliamentary General Election Late delivery of audit report to accompany its spending return for 2019 UK Parliamentary Election No sanction imposed. Closed without further action
Late payment of campaign spending invoices after the 2019 UK Parliamentary General Election Late payment of campaign spending invoices after the 2019 UK Parliamentary General Election No sanction imposed. Closed without further action
Mark Menzies MP (regulated donee) Permissibility of donations No offence found Closed without further action

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

“The reporting requirements are clear, so it is always disappointing when parties and campaigners fail to meet them. It is vital that voters are given an opportunity to see accurate and timely data on where their money comes from.

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

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

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