Electoral Commission concludes investigations into three political parties

21 May 2024 12:12 PM

Four investigations into three political parties have closed over the last month, with the Electoral Commission imposing fines in three of the cases. 

Investigations where offences were found:

Who we investigated	What we investigated	What we found	Outcome
Britain First (registered political party)	The party’s failure to deliver its 2022 statement of accounts by the deadline	One offence found	One fine of £1,500 Penalty was due on 16 May, but as this was not paid the fine has now increased to £1,875.
The Labour Party (accounting unit – Ipswich Constituency Labour Party)	The accounting unit’s  late reporting of its 2021 statement of accounts	One offence found	No sanction
The Labour Party (registered political party)	The failure to notify a change in accounting unit treasurer, and four late reported donations	One contravention found Four offences found	A compliance notice issued One fine of £400 Penalty paid on 13 May 2024
Liberal Democrats (registered political party)	The late reporting of four donations	Four offences  found	One fine of £350 Penalty paid on 12 April 2024

Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation, said: 

“The laws we enforce are there to ensure transparency in the finances of political parties and to increase public confidence in our system, so it’s important that parties comply with the requirements, and report to us in a timely fashion.” 

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 (Opens in new window) 

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.