"We have assessed a report relating to an allegation around misreported expenditure by a political candidate in connection with the general election in July 2024, Essex police said. It said the report was made on 5 December this year. Having regard to the Representation of the People Act 1983, which states any prosecution for such an offence must commence within one year, it has been concluded that this report falls outside of the stated statutory time limit, and no investigation can take place."
"The news came after a whistleblower told the Daily Telegraph that Reform had failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills and refurbishment of a bar in its Clacton campaign office. On Wednesday, Labour party chair, Anna Turley, called on Farage to urgently come out of hiding and explain whether his party spent more than the 20,660 limit for campaigning in a letter to the Electoral Commission."
Nigel Farage avoided a police investigation into alleged breaches of electoral law because the report fell outside the one-year prosecution limit under the Representation of the People Act 1983. Essex Police indicated the report was made on 5 December and therefore could not be investigated. The Electoral Commission is carrying out its own assessment and may still consider sanctions over claims of campaign overspending. A whistleblower alleged Reform failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills and refurbishment of a bar in the Clacton campaign office. Reform denies breaking electoral law and says it looks forward to clearing its name. Labour party chair Anna Turley wrote to the Electoral Commission about potential inaccuracies in Reform's spending returns.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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