There are regulations in place to ensure political parties stick to spending limits and a fair budget for their campaigns.

Each party must submit their spending returns to the Electoral Commission which they have 3 months to submit or 6 months if they spent over £250,000 during the campaign period.

Each parties’ case is investigated and the Electoral Commission can impose fine of up to £20,000 if budgets have been breached. The limits apply during the 365 days before the polling day which this year is, July 4th.

Regulated spending includes various campaign methods such as, paid ads, broadcasts, leaflets and more.

 

Spending this year

In November 2023 spending limits increased to accommodate for inflation setting the budget to £54,010 for each constituency that they contest.

Sky News reports that the Conservative party have spent £50,200 since May 22 and Labour have spent £250,350. Labour have spent around 5 times more to bring exposure and awareness to their party and bring in the votes.

Paid adverts on social media such as Facebook and Instagram have been in full effect with labour outpacing all other parties on this campaign method. Digital campaigning has raced ahead in effectiveness with further reach and wider audience to view the campaigns. The political parties have taken to posting on various social media platforms, largely pitting against the other parties.

Spending more doesn't guarantee a win but party campaigns have gone full steam ahead for the parties and reports say that the Conservative are holding back their budget. Does this mean they have something planned to come?