Exclusive: Calder Valley Labour Party Under Electoral Commission Investigation
Letter seen by Calderdale Inside Out confirms investigation into potential breaches of Electoral law
The Electoral Commission has today (28th May 2025) confirmed it is investigating the Calder Valley Constituency Labour Party (CVCLP) for potential breaches of electoral law. The investigation focuses on whether the local party failed to keep proper financial records and whether its treasurer may have committed an offence by failing to submit required accounts on time, and followed an assessment period lasting just over six months.
In a letter seen by Calderdale Inside Out the Commission said:
“Our decision is to commence an investigation into the CVCLP accounting records and compliance with statement of accounts reporting requirements under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA).”
What the Commission Is Investigating
The Commission has identified two specific areas of concern under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA):
Section 41(1):
Whether CVCLP failed to maintain accounting records “sufficient to explain the transactions” of the local party unit.
▸ This is classed as a prescribed contravention — a civil matter that can result in fines or formal warnings if proven.Section 47(1)(b):
Whether the treasurer of the local party “without reasonable excuse” failed to deliver the party’s annual statement of accounts on time.
▸ This is a criminal offence under UK electoral law.
What Does Section 47(1)(b) Actually Mean?
Under Section 47(1)(b) PPERA, it is a criminal offence for a party treasurer to fail — without reasonable excuse — to submit the party’s annual statement of accounts to the Electoral Commission by the legal deadline.
This provision applies to national parties and also to accounting units like constituency Labour parties. While most enforcement actions are resolved with civil penalties, serious or repeated failures may be referred for criminal prosecution. The Electoral Commission retains the discretion to escalate where it believes there has been intentional or negligent non-compliance.
Why It Matters
Financial transparency is important, and goes to the heart of public trust in democracy. This investigation into CVCLP raises important questions not just about paperwork, but about accountability, competence, and whether political rules are being applied evenly — regardless of party.
It’s worth stressing: the investigation is ongoing. No finding of wrongdoing has been made.
CVCLP has been approached for comment.