Reform Watchdog to assess election spending claims

Nigel Farage is facing a possible second investigation into allegations he overspent on his Clacton election battle by £9,000 after the watchdog said it was assessing the claims.

- Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

The Electoral Commission was asked by Labour to look into Reform UK's election expenses after a whistleblower told the Daily Telegraph that it failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills and refurbishment of a bar in its Clacton campaign office.

Anna Turley, the Labour party chair, called on Farage to "urgently come out of hiding" and explain whether his party spent more than the £20,660 limit for campaigning.

In a reply, the commission said it was "considering your letter and assessing other information in accordance with our enforcement policy to determine if there are any potential failures to comply with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000". Essex police are also currently assessing the allegations.