Essex Police Decline Investigation Into Nigel Farage Over 2024 Reform UK Election Spending
Essex Police have decided not to pursue a police investigation into Nigel Farage regarding alleged overspending by Reform UK in the 2024 general election. The decision is based on the alleged offence being outside the one-year time limit stipulated by the Representation of the People Act 1983.
The claim involves misreported campaign expenditure exceeding the £20,660 spending limit during the election. Allegations were made by former Reform UK campaigner Richard Everett and concern spending in the Clacton constituency. Items cited include leaflets, banners, utility bills, and refurbishment of a bar in the constituency office.
The alleged offence took place in July 2024, coinciding with the election period when Farage became Reform UK's leader in June and subsequently won the Clacton seat with a majority of over 8,000 votes. The matter was initially reported on 5 December 2024, with documents passed first to the Metropolitan Police before being transferred to Essex Police.
While the police investigation will not proceed due to the statutory time limit, the Electoral Commission may still conduct an investigation into the matter.
