‘No action’ over election spending

NO action will be taken against two Stockport MPs after an investigation into whether they breached strict spending limits at the 2015 General Election.

The Crown Prosecution Service scrutinised files submitted by 15 police forces, including Greater Manchester Police.

The probe centred on controversy surrounding the funding of a ‘battle bus’ tour of marginal constituencies.

Complaints were made that the costs of buses to transport activists and put them up in hotels should have been included in individual candidates’ spending limits, rather than on the Conservatives’ national expenses return.

But the CPS said no charges would be brought against any of the MPs, including Hazel Grove MP William Wragg and Cheadle MP Mary Robinson.

One case remains under investigation.

In a statement, Nick Vamos, CPS Head of Special Crime, said: “We reviewed the files in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and have concluded the tests in the code are not met and no criminal charges have been authorised.”

He added: “Under the Representation of the People Act, every candidate and agent must sign a declaration on the expenses return that to the best of their knowledge and belief it is a complete and correct return as required by law. By omitting any ‘battle bus’ costs, the returns may have been inaccurate. However, it is clear agents were told by Conservative Party headquarters that the costs were part of the national campaign and it would not be possible to prove any agent acted knowingly or dishonestly.”

Mr Wragg said: “I welcome this decision by the CPS today. I am pleased the matter is now resolved and that after a very thorough investigation of over a year, the authorities have confirmed what I knew was the case all along, that I’ve done nothing wrong and acted with integrity and honesty.”

Mrs Robinson said: “From the outset I’ve been clear that my expenses were honest and transparent and I am glad that the CPS have confirmed what I knew to be the case all along.”