Record fine for Conservative Party in election expenses scandal

The Conservative Party repeatedly broke the law by failing to properly declare its election expenses during the last general election. That’s the categorical and damning finding of a year long investigation by the Electoral Commission – the official body charged with regulating political parties and elections.

It follows a long-running investigation by Channel 4 News which uncovered hundreds of thousands of pounds of improperly declared spending by the Conservative Party in three by-elections in 2014 and the 2015 general election.

Today Theresa May went on television to insist “we have complied fully” with the Commission’s enquiries. However on page ten of its report the Commission notes “the Party did not co-operate fully.”
The Crown Prosecution Service is now examining evidence gathered by 12 police forces across the country – covering dozens of sitting MPs.