THE UK elections watchdog is investigating Conservative Party spending over the EU election campaign, it has emerged.

The Electoral Commission confirmed the probe in a statement today.

The Green Party of England and Wales is also under investigation, according to the official body.

The Electoral Commission said five parties are being examined after submitting spending reports which were missing information that would give voters a "complete picture of their campaign spending" on the May 2019 contest.

It confirmed two investigations have been opened, naming the Tories and the Greens, and said more may arise in the coming weeks.

But the watchdog would not expand further on the other parties being looked at, explaining it only names those under investigation - in line with its enforcement policy.

Parties are required by law to provide complete lists of all campaign payments and supporting invoices or receipts for payments of more than £200.

Fines ranging from £200 to a maximum of £20,000 per offence are among the options available to the commission if it deems enforcement action to be appropriate.

Figures released by the commission also showed the Brexit Party spent the most money on campaigning during the regulated period for the European elections, which ran from January 23 2019 until polling day on May 23 last year.

Nigel Farage's party reported it spent £2.609 million, putting it slightly ahead of the Tories' £2.6m.

The Liberal Democrats spent £2.468m, and Labour £1.556m.

Meanwhile, the Independent Group for Change, founded by MPs which split from Labour and the Tories, spent £886,681, Ukip reported spending of £643,100, the Green Party of England and Wales stated £450,260 on its return and the SNP said it spent £257,005.

Then-Conservative leader Theresa May had hoped the election would not have to be held, but extensions to the Brexit process meant it was still necessary.

Successful candidates served as MEPs until January 31 this year.

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of The National is at stake. Please consider supporting us through this with a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months by following this link: http://www.thenational.scot/subscribe. Thanks – and stay safe.