Essex Police have confirmed they are assessing allegations that Reform UK, under the leadership of Nigel Farage, overspent during the 2024 general election campaign in Clacton. The controversy centers on claims that Farage’s campaign may have breached the statutory spending limit of £20,660, coming just £400 shy according to official party returns. The allegations, brought forth by Richard Everett—a former Reform UK councillor and campaign team member—suggest that several expenses were not declared, potentially pushing the campaign over the legal threshold.
According to Metro, Everett’s submission to the Metropolitan Police included concerns about undeclared costs for campaign materials such as leaflets, banners, and utility bills, as well as the loan of an armoured Land Rover and the refurbishment of a bar in the campaign office. The vehicle, notably used by Farage on July 3, 2024, the day before the polls opened, and the themed bar were both highlighted as significant omissions in the official financial disclosures.
Essex Police, in a statement released on December 7, 2025, clarified the current status: “We are assessing a report relating to alleged misreported expenditure by a political party in connection with the 2024 general election, following a referral to us by the Met Police.” This assessment marks the preliminary phase in which police determine whether a full investigation is warranted, rather than an immediate escalation to a formal inquiry.
Everett, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK last year and now serves as an Independent councillor on Tendring District Council, has been vocal about his concerns. He told The Telegraph, “I do not think that that is an accurate figure. In fact, I think the £20,660 was exceeded, and the reason why I think that is because of a number of items that were either missing on the return or wrong on the return.” He further alleged that the campaign materials in question prominently featured Farage’s name and policies, implying a direct connection to the candidate’s efforts in the constituency.
Reform UK, for its part, has categorically denied any wrongdoing. A party spokesperson dismissed the accusations, stating, “These inaccurate claims come from a disgruntled former councillor. The party was disgusted by his inappropriate sexual behaviour with women, and he was expelled several months ago. The party denies breaking electoral law. We look forward to clearing our name.” This robust defense has not, however, quelled calls for greater transparency and accountability from across the political spectrum.
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations. “Nigel Farage needs to reassure the public that he and his party will co-operate fully with the police and put all the evidence they need on the table. Electoral fraud is a very serious crime which fundamentally undermines our democracy. All parliamentarians, including party leaders, must play by the rules so all candidates have a fair hearing with the public. Nigel Farage needs to break his silence on this issue and demonstrate that he and Reform UK have followed the law at all times. Failure to do so will raise even more questions about what he has to hide.”
Echoing these sentiments, Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake called on law enforcement and the Electoral Commission to thoroughly investigate the claims. “We all have an obligation to play by the rules to ensure that our elections are free and fair,” Hollinrake stated, according to The Telegraph. The cross-party concern underlines the seriousness with which alleged breaches of electoral law are regarded in the UK’s political landscape.
Political parties in the United Kingdom are subject to strict legal spending limits during election campaigns, both at national and local levels. Offences are typically subject to a one-year statute of limitations, but under certain circumstances, police forces can apply to extend this deadline. The law is enforced by the Electoral Commission and the police, and fines of up to £20,000 can be imposed if the Commission finds reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has occurred. In cases where personal responsibility is established, both the candidate and their election agent can be held liable.
Historical precedent for such allegations exists. During the 2015 general election, then-Conservative candidate Craig Mackinlay was accused of overspending by £60,000 in the Thanet South constituency, where Farage—then leader of UKIP—was also a candidate. Although a Tory party official was eventually convicted and handed a suspended sentence, Mackinlay himself was cleared of all charges. These past incidents highlight that electoral spending investigations can be complex and protracted, with outcomes varying based on the evidence presented and the specific circumstances of each case.
In the current situation, Everett has suggested that Farage may have been “blissfully unaware” of the alleged overspending, indicating that the issue could stem from errors or omissions in the campaign’s accounting rather than intentional misconduct. Nonetheless, the responsibility for compliance with electoral law ultimately rests with both the candidate and their agent, in this case, Peter Harris. Should the allegations be substantiated, both could face personal liability.
The political context of these allegations is further complicated by ongoing legal and public relations battles involving Farage and Reform UK. Farage recently launched a legal challenge against Labour’s decision to postpone some local elections in 2026, including the Essex mayoral race in which Harris was to stand as the Reform candidate. This move has kept Farage and his party in the political spotlight, even as they face scrutiny over their campaign finances.
Meanwhile, Farage continues to attract controversy on unrelated fronts, with several former classmates from his days at Dulwich College accusing him of racist language and behavior—allegations he denies. Among those speaking out is Jewish film director Peter Ettedgui, who has claimed Farage targeted him with anti-Semitic abuse. Farage has responded by insisting he “never really tried to go and hurt anybody.”
Despite the swirling allegations and political maneuvering, Reform UK maintains its stance of innocence regarding electoral law. The party’s official return lists spending in Clacton at £20,299.80, just under the legal cap. However, Everett’s claims about undeclared expenses—particularly the armoured Land Rover and campaign office bar—have kept the question of compliance alive.
As Essex Police continue their assessment, the outcome remains uncertain. The process could lead to a full investigation, potential fines, or even personal liability for Farage and Harris. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the democratic process, and the vigilance with which such standards are enforced in British politics.
For now, all eyes remain on Essex Police and the Electoral Commission as they weigh the evidence and determine the next steps in a saga that has captured the attention of both the political class and the public at large.
