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Tory election spending: Conservatives could sue anyone making 'false' claims about the party's candidates
The Crown Prosecution Service says no charges will be brought in almost all cases under consideration
he Conservatives have signalled they could sue anyone making "false" claims about the party's candidates, after it emerged no charges will be brought over allegations of electoral fraud.
Conservative Party Chairman Patrick McLaughlin slammed "malicious" allegations that he claimed had been made relating to Tory spending in the 2015 election campaign.
He and other Tory's also accused rivals of making "politically motivated" accusations, with one Conservative fighting to retain his seat claiming there had been a witch-hunt.
Despite the CPS decision not to pursue charges in most cases, there is still danger the affair may hit the Conservative's 2017 election campaign, with one case outstanding and police still considering whether the party's treasurer at the time should face further action.
But Mr McLaughlin said: "After a very thorough investigation, we are pleased that the legal authorities have confirmed what we believed was the case all along, that these Conservative candidates did nothing wrong.
"These were politically motivated and unfounded complaints that have wasted police time. We are glad that this matter is finally resolved.
"A number of false and malicious claims continue to be spread on the internet. People should be aware that making false claims about a candidate’s personal character and conduct is an electoral offence, as well as being defamatory."
What can you say? oh the joys of a nation in the throes of Brexit for a bright free future.
Tory election spending: Conservatives could sue anyone making 'false' claims about the party's candidates
The Crown Prosecution Service says no charges will be brought in almost all cases under consideration
he Conservatives have signalled they could sue anyone making "false" claims about the party's candidates, after it emerged no charges will be brought over allegations of electoral fraud.
Conservative Party Chairman Patrick McLaughlin slammed "malicious" allegations that he claimed had been made relating to Tory spending in the 2015 election campaign.
He and other Tory's also accused rivals of making "politically motivated" accusations, with one Conservative fighting to retain his seat claiming there had been a witch-hunt.
Despite the CPS decision not to pursue charges in most cases, there is still danger the affair may hit the Conservative's 2017 election campaign, with one case outstanding and police still considering whether the party's treasurer at the time should face further action.
But Mr McLaughlin said: "After a very thorough investigation, we are pleased that the legal authorities have confirmed what we believed was the case all along, that these Conservative candidates did nothing wrong.
"These were politically motivated and unfounded complaints that have wasted police time. We are glad that this matter is finally resolved.
"A number of false and malicious claims continue to be spread on the internet. People should be aware that making false claims about a candidate’s personal character and conduct is an electoral offence, as well as being defamatory."
What can you say? oh the joys of a nation in the throes of Brexit for a bright free future.