Tories spent £18.5m ahead of election

The Conservatives outspent Labour by more than £7.5 million in the 12 months to last year’s general election on 8 June, according to figures released by the official elections watchdog.

The Electoral Commission said the Tories reported spending of £18,565,102. Labour reported spending of £11,003,980. The SNP spent £1,623,127

The Commission said both main parties, along with the Green Party, were now facing investigation for submitting spending returns that were missing invoices and for “potentially inaccurate statements”.

The Tories and the Liberal Democrats are also under investigation for making payments where the claim for payment was received after the 30-day deadline or was paid after the 60-day deadline following the election.