Monthly update - concluded investigations (October 2020)

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
Conservative and Unionist Party (registered political party) Failure to return a donation from an impermissible donor within 30 days Failure to return a donation from an impermissible donor within 30 days Donation forfeited. No sanction imposed.
Keep Penrith Special (registered political party) and Penrith Posters Ltd Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material Offence found in the case of Keep Penrith Special. No determination of offence in respect of Penrith Posters Ltd No sanction. Closed without further action.

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


“As a regulator, we are here to make sure that parties and campaigners follow the law. As well as supporting parties and campaigners by providing guidance and advice, we take action if we suspect offences may have been committed so that voters can be confident in the fairness of the system. We publish the outcome of our investigations so that there is transparency about how we act to enforce the law.”

Summary of cases where no offences were found

Investigations where no offences were found

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Independent Group for Change (registered political party) Failure to deliver accurate campaign spending return for 2019 European Parliamentary elections No offence found Closed without further action
Communities United Party (registered political party) Failure to deliver campaign spending return for 2019 UKPGE No determination of offence Closed without further action
Lincolnshire Independents Lincolnshire First (registered political party) Late delivery of campaign spending return for 2019 UKPGE No determination of offence 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 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.