THURROCK MP Jen Craft is one of 24 successful Labour general election candidates whose expenses are being questioned, following claims they did not disclose use of the party's touring 'battlebus'.

The Electorial Commission, which is the body in charge of overseeing elections in Britain has confirmed it is making inquiries into the Labour battlebus which toured the country and was a focal point for campaigning in some target constituencies. Allegations have emerged about its use in the election last July not being declared properly.

Twenty-four visits to constituencies are being investigated, including one to Thurrock that Conservatives claim should have been listed in Mrs Craft's election expenses.

A statement from the Electoral Commission says: "The Commission regulates the political finance laws which apply to parties and campaigners, it does not regulate candidate spending and donations, which is a matter for the police.

"The Labour Party's use of a battlebus during the 2024 general election campaign was reported in its party spending return, submitted to the Commission in January.

"The classification of spend on a battlebus will depend on whether the spending promotes the party or the candidate. 

"Activity promoting a candidate is typically reported on the candidate return, activity promoting the party must be included in the party return.

"The Commission is considering information relating to the Labour Party's use of its battlebus in line with the Commission's Enforcement Policy." 

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Conservative protests about the lack of declarations are being led by Tory frontbencher Kevin Hollinrake who wrote to the Electoral Commission, calling for a 'thorough investigation by both it and the police'.

Investigators at Tory HQ drew up a complaints dossier by scouring social media for records of the bus and cross-checking them with the official expenses returns from Labour MPs. 

Mr Hollinrake, Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, says: "In tight races across the country, Labour MPs have benefitted from Labour's battlebus without declaring it.

"I believe a full investigation is required. There is a submerged iceberg of undeclared spending.

"The Labour party must now come clean about the true extent of this abuse. Even with this damning evidence, this is the beginning not the end. There are serious questions to answer.

"The Electoral Commission should undertake a forensic investigation working alongside the police."

Mrs Craft's election expenses show her campaign spent £4,285.61 on promotional material, £10,026.66 on leaflets and £600 on administration and accommodation, making a total of £15,514.37, which was all funded by donations. She was permitted to spend £17,192.88 on her campaign.

Labour insists that all the relevant declarations have been made with regards to the battlebus, in line with the rules.

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