Lancaster MP cleared of any wrongdoing in 2015 election

An anonymous complaint into the reporting of election spending in the Lancaster and Fleetwood seat prompted an investigation by Lancashire police.

However after an investigation lasting several months, police have concluded that Ms Smith acted within the law.

She said: “I am grateful for the professional and diligent way the police undertook this investigation.

“As I made clear at the time, I had nothing to fear from any investigation because I had done nothing wrong.

I was always open, honest and transparent offering the police access to all my paperwork relating to the 2015 General Election. I am pleased that the police have concluded that there was no wrong doing whatsoever and that the truth is now clear that I fought my election fairly completely within the law.

“I came into politics to help local people and communities. I was immensely proud to be elected the MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood in May 2015 and I will continue to strive to make sure local people’s voices are heard and to support my community which I am proud to represent as their MP.”

General Election returns are accounts of monies spent by the political parties. It is not public money, but money privately raised by political parties.