Electoral Commission concludes five investigations with fines for two political parties

20 Dec 2022 09:12 PM

Investigations into five political parties have closed over the last month, with the Electoral Commission imposing fines on the Conservatives and Labour Party. Publishing concluded investigations is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.

Investigations into five political parties have closed over the last month, with the Electoral Commission imposing fines on the Conservatives and Labour Party. Publishing concluded investigations is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.

 
Who we investigated What we investigated What we found Outcome
British Independents (de-registered political party) Failure to deliver annual accounts for 2021 Offence found No sanction
Conservative and Unionist Party GB (political party) Late reporting of donations

Offences found

Three fines of £200 each

Fines have been paid
Labour Party (political party) Late reporting of donations Offences found

Two fines of £200 each

Fines have been paid
 
Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation, said:

"For transparency, parties are required to report donations on a quarterly basis so it’s important that the information they give is accurate. The requirements for political parties are clear so it’s disappointing when they are not fully complied with.

“Where we find that offences have been committed, we carefully consider the circumstances in deciding whether to impose a penalty, and if so, the level of that penalty, taking into account proportionality and a range of factors as set out in our Enforcement Policy.”

Investigations where no offences were found

 
Who we investigated What we investigated What we found Outcome
Redcar and Cleveland Independent (de-registered political party) Failure to deliver quarterly donations report on time No offence

No sanction

Case closed
Unionist Clubs Scotland (campaigner) Failure to include valid imprint on campaign material No offence

No sanction

Case closed

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk

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.