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.
A non-party campaigner is a group that campaigns in the run up to elections but is not a political party and does not stand candidates.
Non-party campaigners must register with us if they plan to spend more than £20k in England or £10k in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. A list of registered non-party campaigners is available (Opens in new window).
All registered political parties must submit pre-poll donations reports, unless they have exempted themselves, which they can do if not standing candidates. Failure to do so will be considered in line with our Enforcement Policy. 74 parties were required to report weekly pre-poll reports.
In the pre-poll weekly reports, political parties and non-party campaigners must report donations that they have received during the relevant period. However, they have 30 days after receiving a donation to check that it is from a permissible source and to decide whether to accept it.
Donations over £7,500 accepted by parties during the third quarter (1 July to 30 September) were published on 26 November.
More information on further pre-poll reporting publications is available on page 27 of our media handbook.