A political storm is brewing around Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, as police now investigate claims that he may have breached election spending rules during last year’s general election campaign.
The scrutiny comes amid accusations from a former member of his team, raising questions about how campaign funds were reported in his Clacton constituency.
Former Team Member Raises Concerns
Richard Everett, a former Reform councillor, has submitted documents to the Metropolitan Police alleging that local campaign expenses were misreported.
Essex Police confirmed on Monday that they are reviewing the claims following a referral from Scotland Yard.
A spokesperson from the force said:
“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.”
Reform UK has rejected the claims, describing Everett as a “disgruntled former councillor” who was expelled from the party.
Spending Figures Under the Microscope
Official documents indicate that Reform’s spending in Clacton, which Farage won in July 2024, came within £400 of the £20,660 legal limit.
However, Everett argues this total doesn’t include all expenses, such as the refurbishment of a Reform-themed campaign bar.
He also claims the party failed to declare a loaned armoured Land Rover used by Farage during a rally on Clacton Pier.
If these allegations are proven, both Farage and his election agent, Peter Harris, could face personal liability under electoral law.
Everett, who previously monitored campaign expenses and accompanied Farage during the campaign, suggests that Reform may have overspent by around £9,000, though he believes Farage was unaware of the discrepancies.
Understanding Electoral Spending Rules
Election spending is tightly regulated, with separate limits for national parties and individual candidates.
While national parties can fund materials for local use, they cannot directly promote a specific candidate using photos or names of particular constituencies.
Everett claims the dossier he submitted includes Reform’s official spending return, receipts, and photographs of campaign materials.
He told The Daily Telegraph:
“Because of my experience as an agent, I’ve done many of these returns myself, so I know what is meant to be on them.
In this particular case, the limit was £20,660.72, but the return says £20,299.80.
I do not think that is accurate because several items were missing or reported incorrectly.”
Calls for a Full Investigation
The controversy has drawn responses from across the political spectrum.
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake urged:
“We all have an obligation to play by the rules to ensure that our elections are free and fair.
Clearly, there must now be a full investigation by the Electoral Commission and the police to establish the facts and ensure whether or not Farage and the Reform Party have followed the law.”
Meanwhile, Reform maintains its stance, insisting the allegations are false and that the party will clear its name.
Labour Party chair Anna Turley also weighed in, emphasizing the seriousness of electoral fraud:
“Nigel Farage needs to reassure the public that he and his party will cooperate fully with the police and put all the evidence on the table.
Electoral fraud fundamentally undermines our democracy.
Failure to do so will raise even more questions about what he has to hide.”
What Happens Next
With the police assessment ongoing, the spotlight is firmly on Farage and Reform UK to demonstrate transparency.
How the investigation unfolds will determine whether the claims lead to formal charges or are dismissed as unsubstantiated accusations.
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