Farage will not face police inquiry into spending

Nigel Farage will not be investigated over claims Reform UK overspent on his campaign at the 2024 general election.

Essex Police said it could not investigate the Clacton MP because more than a year had passed since the alleged offence.

It followed a former member of Farage's campaign team claiming Reform spent more than the £20,660 spending limit set by law.

A police spokeswoman said: "Any prosecution for such an offence must commence within one year."

She said an "allegation around misreported expenditure by a political candidate" in July 2024 was made on 5 December.

"It has been concluded that this report falls outside of the stated statutory time limit, and no investigation can take place," the spokeswoman added.

The claims were made by ex-Reform campaigner Richard Everett.

He alleged the party failed to declare spending on some leaflets, banners, utility bills and the refurbishment of a bar in the Clacton constituency office.

Documents were passed to the Metropolitan Police, which transferred the case to Essex Police.

The latter said the one-year time frame for investigating an alleged offence was enshrined in the Representation of the People Act 1983.

However, Farage could still face an investigation by the Electoral Commission.

He took over as leader of Reform UK in June 2024, about a month before the general election.

Farage went on to win the seat of Clacton in Essex from the Conservatives with a majority of more than 8,000.

Reform UK has been contacted for comment.