In July last year, Farage became an MP for the first time after winning the Essex coastal seat of Clacton with a majority of 8,405 at the general election. It marked his eighth attempt to enter the Commons and signalled his return to the forefront of British politics. He later became leader of Reform UK, and the party has consistently led in the polls since April.
Richard Everett, a whistleblower and former member of Farage’s campaign team, claimed that the party leader failed to register £9,000 worth of election expenses. He said the undeclared spending included leaflets, banners, utility bills and the installation of a Reform themed bar in the party office. He also alleged that the party did not declare the use of an armoured Land Rover for a rally on Clacton pier.
Everett submitted documents supporting his claims to the Metropolitan Police. The material has been passed to Essex Police, who are expected to interview him as part of their assessment.
Essex Police said: “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.”
Reform UK has dismissed Everett as a “disgruntled former councillor” who was expelled this year for alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour. Everett had been investigated by the party following a complaint that he had damaged its interests by storing items of a sexual nature in a locked desk in the Clacton office. Adam Richardson, the party secretary, wrote to Everett on October 3 after the findings of an emergency disciplinary panel.
He said: “Everett was suspended following serious allegations regarding his conduct in the Reform Clacton office. It was alleged that he had stored items of a sexual nature in a locked desk on the premises and had already been subject to blackmail as a result. The committee is clear that using party premises to store such items is a gross breach of propriety. It exposed staff to inappropriate conduct, created a risk of blackmail and caused reputational damage.”
He added: “That Councillor Everett then sought to deny what had already been proven demonstrates not only poor judgement but also a lack of integrity.”
Everett was later expelled from the party. He denied all claims, saying: “I am categorically denying that I kept a locked box with sex toys in the office. This is a smear by Reform UK to deflect attention from allegations of electoral malpractice.”
Everett obtained copies of Farage’s electoral returns, which listed £20,299.80 in expenses, just under the legal limit of £20,660. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged the election watchdog to examine the case. She said: “I think that the Electoral Commission should investigate if there is a case of election fraud and there is evidence. That is for the Electoral Commission to investigate.”
The Electoral Commission responded: “We are not investigating Reform UK’s spending at the general election. The commission regulates political finance laws that apply to parties and campaigners. It does not regulate candidate spending and donations, which is a matter for the police.”
Under electoral law, candidates must declare their expenses and keep receipts for any amount over £20. Failure to do so can be a criminal offence. Reform UK has highlighted a 12 month limit in the legislation for potential prosecutions.
