Conservatives fined for breaking political finance law for three years

An Electoral Commission press release brings the news:

As part of its regular monthly casework update, the Electoral Commission has today (21 April) published details of a £1,200 fine imposed on the National Conservative Draws Society.

The society has been fined for repeatedly failing to notify the Commission that it had made donations to the Conservative Party in excess of £25,000 during 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Whilst the Conservative Party reported receiving the donations, under The Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), unincorporated associations are also required to notify the Commission when their donations to political parties exceed £25,000 in a year, and provide details about the association. The National Conservative Draws Society did not do this.

The Commission is satisfied that the failure to provide the notification was an oversight and there was no intention not to comply with the rules.

The National Conservative Draws Society paid the fine on 16 April. Any financial sanctions that are paid to the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund which is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.