Two MPs referred to police for election spending violations

Two Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK are facing potential legal action after being referred to police over alleged election spending violations. Ian Sollom, a Liberal Democrat MP, and Perran Moon, a Labour MP, are accused of exceeding campaign spending limits during last year’s general election. The UK Electoral Commission published data showing that Sollom spent £29,941.76, far above the allowed limit of £20,763.80, which is 145.52% of the legal cap. Moon reportedly spent £21,680.31, exceeding the limit of £20,068.88 by 108.03%. In response, the Electoral Commission shared this information with local police for further investigation. A spokesman from the Electoral Commission said they do not make changes to the figures submitted by candidates. They noted that any potential breaches fall under the Representation of the People Act 1983. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed they are reviewing the Commission’s submissions, but Devon and Cornwall Police declined to comment. The Conservative party’s Shadow Secretary for Communities, Kevin Hollinrake, called for a thorough investigation. He emphasized the importance of spending limits to ensure fair elections. In contrast, spokespeople for both the Liberal Democrats and Labour insisted that their MPs did not break any laws. They claimed that the Electoral Commission’s data contained inaccuracies. This news comes just days after the Electoral Commission announced it is looking into another election-related matter involving Labour's Angela Rayner and her campaign bus. Allegations suggest that costs related to this bus were not properly declared. Rayner’s bus was reportedly used in multiple constituencies, raising additional concerns about compliance with spending rules.