IT has been reported that a Cornwall MP is one of two referred to their local police by the UK elections watchdog after newly-published data suggested they breached spending limits in last year’s general election campaign.

Labour’s MP for Camborne and Redruth Perran Moon and Liberal Democrat MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire Ian Sollom are both accused of breaching election rules.

National newspaper reports stated that according to Electoral Commission data published this week, both spent more than the statutory limit allows during the general election campaign.

It is reported that data states that Mr Sollom spent £29,941.76, more than the £20,763.80 limit, representing a total spend of 145.52 per cent of the limit. Mr Moon, Labour MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, was reported as spending £21,680.31, more than the £20,068.88 limit, a total spend of 108.03 per cent of the limit.

The Labour Party said it is confident that Mr Moon’s declarable spend was well below the limit. The Electoral Commission has not confirmed any details of the referrals it has made to the police after assessing the 2024 UK general election candidate returns and has not referred to any specific candidates.

A spokesperson for the Electoral Commission said: “Following our review of the general election candidate returns, we shared information with relevant police forces where potential offences may have occurred. Because of the impact it could have on potential future enquiries, the commission does not comment on individual candidates or police referrals.

“Returns that contain inaccuracies or an overspend will not automatically be referred to the police. When sharing information with the police, we consider a number of factors and assess returns on a case-by-case basis.”

The spokesperson added: “The Commission has limited powers with regard to candidate spending and donations, and does not regulate in this area. We publish information as it appears on a candidate’s return so that it is an accurate record of what was submitted to the Returning Officer.

“The Commission and other independent organisations, including the Committee on Standards in Public Life, have recommended that enforcement of some candidate offences be moved to the Commission instead of the police. This would make the regulatory system simpler and more proportionate for candidates, as well as clearer for voters.”

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “We have received a number of referrals from the Electoral Commission in relation to the 2024 General Election. We are currently reviewing them before considering whether further investigation is required.”

A Labour Party spokesperson added: “We are confident that the campaign’s declarable spend was well below the limit and this is clearly shown in the detailed breakdown of declarable spend.”

Mr Moon has been contacted for comment.