Essex Police are currently assessing allegations of potential overspending by Reform UK during Nigel Farage’s general election campaign in Clacton last year.
The claims originate from a former Reform councillor, reportedly expelled from the party several months prior.
Richard Everett, previously involved with Farage’s campaign team, told the Daily Telegraph that he believes Reform UK exceeded the legally mandated spending limit of £20,660 within the Essex constituency and failed to properly declare certain expenditures. He stated that Farage was “blissfully unaware” of these omissions.
A spokesperson for Reform UK has refuted the allegations, stating that the “inaccurate claims come from a disgruntled former councillor” and denying any breaches of electoral law.
Mr. Everett’s allegations, first reported by the Telegraph, include claims of undeclared spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills, and the refurbishment of a bar within the constituency office.
He submitted documentation to the Metropolitan Police, leading to the case being transferred to Essex Police, who have confirmed they are evaluating the allegations.
According to the newspaper, the submitted documents indicate Reform UK’s declared spending was within £400 of the legal limit. However, Mr. Everett asserts that this figure excludes certain costs, and he estimates the party overspent by approximately £9,000.
Essex Police issued a statement: “We are assessing a report relating to alleged misreported expenditure by a political party in connection with the 2024 general election, following a referral to us by the Met Police.”
Nigel Farage assumed leadership of Reform UK in June 2024, roughly one month before the general election.
He secured the Clacton seat in Essex from the Conservative Party with a majority exceeding 8,000 votes.
Labour Party Chairwoman Anna Turley has called on Nigel Farage to “reassure the public that he and his party will cooperate fully with the police and put all the evidence they need on the table.”
She added: “All Parliamentarians, including party leaders, must play by the rules so all candidates have a fair hearing with the public.”
“Nigel Farage needs to break his silence on this issue and demonstrate that he and Reform UK have followed the law at all times. Failure to do so will raise even more questions about what he has to hide.”
Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake has advocated for a comprehensive investigation by both the Electoral Commission, which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK, and the police.
“We all have an obligation to play by the rules to ensure that our elections are free and fair,” he stated.
Strict legal limits govern the amount of money that can be spent on activities promoting a candidate during an election campaign, based on the number of registered electors in the relevant area.
A separate, higher limit applies to spending aimed at promoting a national political party.
While election agents are responsible for reporting expenditure, candidates are also required to sign declarations affirming that their spending record is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.
Making a false declaration constitutes a criminal offense, potentially leading to an unlimited fine or imprisonment for up to 12 months.
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