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An investigation by the Electoral Commission into Nigel Farage’s election expenses has concluded without finding any credible evidence of breaches of electoral law. The watchdog communicated this decision in a letter addressed to the treasurer of Reform UK, which was subsequently shared with the BBC. As a result, no further action will be pursued by the Commission.
This development follows allegations made by a former member of Farage’s campaign team, who claimed that Reform UK exceeded the legal spending limit of £20,660 during the election. Despite these assertions, last week Essex Police stated they would not proceed with an investigation, citing that more than a year had elapsed since the alleged offenses occurred.
Peter Harris, who served as Nigel Farage’s election agent in Clacton, described the complaint as being “politically motivated.” Harris emphasized that the campaign had adhered to proper procedures, stating, “The facts are clear, the process has been properly followed, and there is no basis for any further allegation, inference, or repetition of these claims.” The Electoral Commission’s letter reinforced this stance, noting no undisclosed expenditure had been identified and that the initial inquiries did not uncover credible evidence warranting further action.
The accusations came from Richard Everett, a former Reform UK campaigner, who alleged the party failed to declare expenses related to leaflets, banners, utility bills, and refurbishments to a local office bar in Clacton. These claims were initially referred to the Metropolitan Police before being passed on to Essex Police. According to an Essex Police spokesperson, any prosecution would have to begin within one year of the offense. Since the report was made on December 5 about an incident from July 2024, the statutory deadline had expired, and no investigation could be launched. Notably, Farage became Reform UK’s leader in June 2024, shortly before the general election, subsequently winning the Clacton seat with a majority exceeding 8,000 votes
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