Reform UK risks breaching data protection laws with its competition to win free energy bills for a year, lawyers and data experts have warned. The contest, announced by Nigel Farage on Tuesday, requires entrants to disclose how they voted at the last election and how they intend to vote at the next one.
Mariano delli Santi of the Open Rights Group said the party is not being transparent about how it will use the data, which he described as a clear breach of transparency obligations under UK data protection law. Privacy barrister Eleonor Duhs added that asking for voting intention goes beyond the purpose of the raffle and raises questions about the legal basis for processing sensitive data.
A second lawyer, speaking anonymously, noted that the form collects data beyond what is necessary for a prize draw, violating the principle of data minimisation. Reform UK defended the contest, stating it is entirely legal and complies with electoral laws. A spokesperson said: “We are entirely confident that this competition is legal. Reform UK is the only party serious about cutting energy bills.”
The party also announced the lottery as part of its promise to cut energy bills by removing green levies and VAT. Robert Jenrick, Reform’s economic spokesperson, said winners will have their energy bills paid for a year, along with those of their entire street. Farage said the cuts would involve breaking existing contracts with green energy producers. The Information Commissioner’s Office said it is in regular contact with political parties about data use and encourages complaints from concerned individuals.
