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Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2026. It was answered by Jeremy Wright (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 on behalf of the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission.


Elections: Fraud

Question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what guidance the Electoral Commission has produced on treating in elections.

Answer

The Commission’s guidance for candidates and agents includes an overview of electoral offences. It sets out that a person is guilty of treating if either before, during or after an election they directly or indirectly give or provide any food, drink, entertainment or provision to corruptly influence any voter to vote or refrain from voting. Treating requires a corrupt intent, and does not apply to ordinary hospitality.

Allegations of treating are a matter for the police; the Commission supports the College of Policing with its guidance for policing elections, which includes information on how offences such as treating are investigated.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
117772
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Fraud Elections Electoral Commission
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk