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Essex Police are currently investigating claims that Reform UK exceeded the legal spending limits during Nigel Farage’s general election campaign in Clacton last year. These allegations have come from a former Reform councillor, who the party states was expelled several months prior. Richard Everett, previously part of Farage’s campaign team, told the Daily Telegraph that he believes Reform UK surpassed the £20,660 spending cap imposed by electoral regulations for the constituency. He also stated that some expenses were not properly declared, though he insisted Farage was “blissfully unaware” of these issues.
The initial report in the Telegraph outlined that the undeclared expenditures allegedly included costs for leaflets, banners, utility bills, and even the renovation of a bar within the constituency office. Everett forwarded relevant documents to the Metropolitan Police, and the matter was subsequently handed over to Essex Police, who confirmed they are reviewing the claims. According to the documents referenced by the newspaper, Reform UK’s reported spending was close to the legal maximum, missing it by about £400. However, Everett contends that the reported figure omits certain outlays and estimates that the actual overspend could be approximately £9,000.
Farage assumed leadership of Reform UK in June 2024, approximately a month before the general election. He secured the Clacton seat in Essex with a majority exceeding 8,000 votes, taking it from the Conservative Party. Following the emerging allegations, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley stated that Farage needs to reassure the public by cooperating fully with the police investigation and providing all necessary evidence. She emphasized that all parliamentary candidates, including party leaders, must adhere to the rules for a fair electoral process and called on Farage to cease his silence on the matter to dispel concerns about potential wrongdoing.
The Conservative Party also responded, with chairman Kevin Hollinrake urging both the Electoral Commission and the police to launch a thorough inquiry. The legal framework for election spending imposes strict limits based on the number of registered voters in each constituency, and separate, higher limits apply to national party spending. Election agents are tasked with reporting campaign expenses, and candidates must sign declarations confirming the accuracy and completeness of these reports. Breaching these rules and submitting false declarations can result in severe penalties, including unlimited fines or imprisonment for up to 12 months
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