Nigel Farage is facing pressure to clarify accusations that his election campaign in Clacton may have breached spending rules, after a former campaign member alleged irregularities in reported expenses.
Richard Everett — previously a Reform UK councillor and part of the Clacton campaign team — has reportedly handed documents to the Metropolitan Police, claiming the party exceeded the £20,660 legal spending limit during Farage’s successful parliamentary bid.
According to reports, Everett alleges that campaign spending on banners, leaflets, office refurbishment, utilities and other promotional material was not fully declared, meaning the official campaign return may be incomplete. He also claimed Farage may not have been personally aware of the situation.
Reform UK strongly rejects the allegations, describing Everett as a disgruntled ex-member who was removed from the party months earlier. A party spokesperson said it denies breaking electoral rules and will cooperate fully if authorities investigate.
The claims have prompted response from major political rivals. Labour’s chair, Anna Turley, said Farage must provide clear answers and evidence, arguing that election fairness depends on transparency and rule compliance. She stated the allegations raise serious questions about whether the public was misled.
Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake also called for the Electoral Commission and police to review the claims, saying all candidates must abide by spending rules to protect the integrity of elections.
This controversy comes as Farage also faces renewed criticism over past allegations of racist behaviour from former classmates at Dulwich College — accusations he has denied, saying he has never acted with racist or antisemitic intent.
Everett, who initially defected from the Conservatives to Reform before later resigning to sit as an independent councillor, maintains his claims are accurate and backed by documentation.
The matter now awaits potential review by authorities and could lead to further scrutiny of Reform UK’s campaign finance practices.