Essex Police are investigating allegations that Reform UK breached electoral law during Nigel Farage's successful campaign to become MP for Clacton in the 2024 general election. The force confirmed on Monday that it is assessing a report of misreported expenditure by a political party, following a referral from the Metropolitan Police.
The allegations were made by Richard Everett, a former Reform councillor and member of Farage's campaign team. According to the Daily Telegraph, Everett claims the party failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills, and the refurbishment of a bar in its Clacton campaign office. He alleges that Reform reported spending just £400 under the £20,660 limit, but that undeclared costs would have pushed it over the cap.
Everett, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform last year and now sits as an independent councillor, reportedly submitted documents to the Met police. He said he believed Farage himself was “blissfully unaware” of the overspend. Reform UK has strongly denied the claims, describing Everett as a “disgruntled former councillor” who was expelled from the party months ago.
Labour chair Anna Turley called on Farage to “break his silence” and cooperate fully with the police, stating that “electoral fraud is a very serious crime which fundamentally undermines our democracy.” Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake urged the police and Electoral Commission to investigate, saying “we all have an obligation to play by the rules.”
The investigation comes as Farage faces separate pressure over allegations of racism during his time at Dulwich College, which he has denied. A Reform spokesperson said: “These inaccurate claims come from a disgruntled former councillor. The party denies breaking electoral law. We look forward to clearing our name.”
