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Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Florence Eshalomi (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Political Parties: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the Rycroft Review: HM Government response, 6 July 2026, recommendation 11, under what circumstances the National Crime Agency has a remit over the investigation of breaches of political finance laws on the permissibility and reporting of donations; and what the role is of the (a) Metropolitan Police and (b) City of London Police in investigating such matters.

Answer

The National Crime Agency, police, the Electoral Commission and other partners work collaboratively to provide an appropriate response to breaches of political finance law within the legislative frameworks provided.

Enforcement is supported by a networked policing model led by the City of London Police, with centrally based specialists providing advice and coordination to Single Points of Contact across police forces.

The Special Enquiries Team (SET) leads the Metropolitan Police’s response to electoral crime and politically sensitive investigations. SET provide specialist assessment, investigation and strategic advice to policing and partner agencies on offences linked to public office and the democratic process.

The Representation of the People Bill extends the Electoral Commission’s enforcement remit to include candidate finance offences, which will enable more proportionate and encompassing enforcement across the political finance framework, while retaining police investigation and prosecution for the most serious cases.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26059
Session
2026-27
Related items
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Criminal investigation Finance Political parties Metropolitan Police National Crime Agency City of London Police
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk