Momentum fined for ‘multiple breaches’ of electoral law

The left-wing activist group Momentum has been fined £16,700 for “multiple breaches” of electoral law, the Electoral Commission has said.

The commission said the fines related to an inaccurate spending return for the 2017 general election as well as failures to report donations.

It is the first time the group – which backs Jeremy Corbyn – has been investigated by the commission and the penalties include the highest fine to be levied on a non-party campaigner for not submitting a complete and accurate spending return.

Louise Edwards, director of regulation at the commission, said: “Non-party campaigners are essential for a healthy democracy. But just as crucial is that after a poll, voters can see complete and accurate spending data.

“The fines that we have levied reflect Momentum’s repeated revisions to their spending return, poor record keeping and failure to follow advice given by the commission prior to the election.”