Ian Paisley sanctioned by Electoral Commission over failure to return improper donor cash

Ian Paisley, the DUP MP for North Antrim, has been found culpable of offences by the Electoral Commission.
By Adam Kula
Published 15th Sep 2020, 10:16 BST
Updated 15th Sep 2020, 13:25 BST
Ian Paisley in the House of CommonsIan Paisley in the House of Commons
Ian Paisley in the House of Commons

The commission, which says it is committed to “delivering transparency in political finance”, was investigating him for “failure to return donations from impermissible donors within 30 days of receiving them”.

It found that he had indeed failed to do so.

The sanction took the form of “two variable monetary penalties totalling £1,300”, which he must pay by October 8.

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The donors in question were Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The donations are understood to be related to seats at a dinner which were purchased.

Mr Paisley has been found culpable of breaching the rules around gifts from overseas sources in the past, leading to him having been banned at one time from Parliament, on a temporary basis.

More to follow.

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