CAMPAIGN group Scotland in Union has been cleared by the UK’s elections watchdog over allegations that it broke the rules over donations.
The Electoral Commission began a probe after leaked documents suggested the organisation, which opposes indyref2, failed to declare donations in line with strict regulations.
As a registered non-party campaigner, Scotland in Union is required to report any single donation of more than £7,500 towards campaign activity in the period directly before a vote.
However, the “Scotland in Union data dump” – a set of files sent to pro-independence platforms including The National – contained a spreadsheet detailing 12 donations of more than £7,500 made in the regulated period before the last Holyrood ballot and two general elections.
When the news broke in January, the SNP called for the campaign to be “held accountable”. But yesterday the Electoral Commission said it had no evidence of wrongdoing.
However, it has “reminded” the group of its obligations and warned any further suggestions of rule breaches will provoke further action. The body said: “The Commission is satisfied that Scotland in Union complied with the reporting requirements for donations as set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
“Non-party campaigners are required to report any single donation of over £7,500 that is given for the purposes of spending on regulated campaign activity during the regulated period prior to an election or referendum. Regulated campaign activity is any activity reasonably regarded as intended to influence people to vote for or against one or more political parties, or any particular category of candidates; and is also public facing.
“Money given to a non-party campaigner for general purposes, rather than specifically to fund regulated campaign activity, is not covered by the rules on donations. Scotland in Union has been reminded of the rules in respect of delivering a donation return after elections. Should further information come to light suggesting breaches of the rules, the Commission would consider this in line with its enforcement policy.”
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