The UK's elections watchdog has announced it will not launch an investigation into Nigel Farage's constituency spending during the recent general election campaign.
Labour's Call for Probe Dismissed
This decision follows a formal request from the Labour Party for the Electoral Commission to examine the Reform UK leader's campaign finances in the Clacton constituency. Labour had raised concerns that spending may have exceeded the legal limit, potentially breaching electoral law.
The allegations stemmed from claims made by Richard Everett, a former Reform councillor and member of Mr Farage's campaign team. Mr Everett had suggested that the party failed to properly declare expenditure on several items, including campaign leaflets, banners, utility bills, and the refurbishment of a bar used as a campaign office in Clacton.
Under current rules, the spending limit for the Essex constituency was set at £20,660. Any undeclared spending that pushed the total beyond this threshold could constitute a breach.
Watchdog Finds No Grounds for Investigation
In a statement, the Electoral Commission confirmed it had reviewed the matter. The watchdog said it "has not identified any spending which should have been declared by Reform UK nationally" in relation to the Clacton campaign.
This development comes after Essex Police also indicated it could not pursue the allegations. The force cited a statutory one-year time limit for investigating such claims, which had already expired.
Conclusion and Implications
The decision by the Electoral Commission, made public on Sunday 21 December 2025, effectively closes the matter regarding Mr Farage's campaign expenditure. It represents a significant clearance for the Reform UK leader, who successfully won the Clacton seat in the general election.
While the watchdog's review has concluded without action, the episode highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by political parties over their campaign finances and the strict enforcement of spending limits designed to ensure fair electoral contests.
