It has been reported that Craig MacKinlay, the Conservative candidate for South Thanet has been charged with allegations of overspending in the 2015 General Election campaign. Notably Mr MacKinlay is standing for re election on the 8th June. The Crown Prosecution have stated that Mr MacKinlay has been charged with two others.
Whilst the allegations are denied by Mr MacKinlay, investigations have been ongoing for some time in respect of MPs expenses. The allegations refer to expenses that were filed regarding visits to constituencies under local expenses as opposed to national costs since the expenses were in respect of their campaigning across the country for the general election and as such breached spending regulations.
Craig MacKinlay is charged with two counts of knowingly making a declaration accompanying the return for specified regulated periods contrary to Section 81(1) of the Representation of People Act 1983, required by Section 82(1) of the same Act, falsely, contrary to Section 82(6) of the same Act. The punishment for such offence being on indictment is a fine or one year’s imprisonment.
Nathan Gray, Mr MacKinlay’s election agent, is charged with two counts of failing to deliver a true return containing a statement of all election expenses as required by Section 81(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983, contrary to Section 84 of the same Act. In addition he is charged with an allegation of that being the election agent at the UK General Election on 7 May 2015, he knowingly made the declaration accompanying the return for the regulated period under Section 81(1) of the Representation of People Act 1983, required by Section 82(1) of the same Act, falsely, contrary to Section 82(6) of the same Act.
Marion Little, Conservative party organiser, faces five counts of aiding and abetting both Craig MacKinlay contrary to Section 81(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983, and Section 84 of the same Act.
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