Nigel Farage will not face a police investigation into allegations that his general election campaign breached electoral law, as the time limit for prosecution has passed. Essex Police confirmed that a report made on 5 December 2024 fell outside the one-year statutory limit under the Representation of the People Act 1983, meaning no investigation could take place.
The Electoral Commission also examined claims that Reform UK misreported spending, but said it found no evidence of undeclared expenditure related to Farage's campaign in Clacton. The commission responded to a letter from Labour Party chair Anna Turley, who had raised concerns about potential overspending and inaccurate national returns.
Turley had urged Farage to explain whether his party spent more than the £20,660 limit, citing a whistleblower report that Reform failed to declare costs for leaflets, banners, utility bills, and a bar refurbishment. However, the commission stated it did not identify any expenditure that should have been declared in Reform's national accounts.
Political finance expert Sam Power noted that the police, not the Electoral Commission, have jurisdiction over candidate spending violations. He described Turley's request as a 'square peg in a round hole,' since the main allegations concerned campaign overspend.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a 'witch-hunt' and an attempt to discredit the party. Farage also faces separate controversies, including accusations from former schoolmates about racist behaviour and a call to sack a mayoral candidate who made offensive remarks about David Lammy.
