Electoral Commission publishes concluded investigation update
19 Mar 2024 12:43 PM
The Electoral Commission has fined the Conservative and Unionist Party £10,750 after concluding an investigation into the party’s failure to accurately report donations. The announcement is part of the Commission’s monthly update on concluded investigations.
Investigations where offences were found:
| Who we investigated |
What we investigated |
What we found |
Outcome |
| Conservative and Unionist Party (registered political party) |
Failure to accurately report the amounts of 19 donations in the form of a seconded employee, and a further late reported donation |
Offences found |
Two fines totalling £10,750
Penalties paid on 6 March 2024
|
The party under-reported non-cash donations, in the form of an employee seconded to the party by a donor between April 2020 to December 2023. The non-cash donations were under reported by more than £200,000, when the seconded employee went from part time to full time work at the party.
The party also reported late a single non-cash donation relating to the same seconded employee, in December 2023.
Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation, said:
"Our investigation into the Conservative and Unionist Party found a number of donations inaccurately reported or reported late. The political finance laws we enforce are there to ensure transparency in how parties are funded and to increase public confidence in our system, so it’s important donations are fully and clearly reported.
“Where we find offences, we carefully consider the circumstances before deciding whether to impose a sanction. We take into account a range of factors before making our final decision, including proportionality.”
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
- 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.
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.