The Conservative Party is advertising the poison chalice job of dealing with its “compliance” issues – as a police investigation into alleged election fraud rumbles on.
The party put out a plea earlier this month for a “compliance analyst” to help make sure its financial conduct is above board.
An anodyne description says the candidate will make sure the Party meets “regulatory and statutory reporting requirements” and calls for “a good head for figures”.
However, Heat Street notes that party bosses failed to mention ongoing police investigations which will doubtless take up much of the department’s efforts in coming months.
What ever happened to the Tory election fraud investigation? Let's get it back into the mainstream again. #ToryElectionFraud
— cargimiargi (@cargill_taxi) September 7, 2016
Allegedly fraudulent expenses claims filed by local branches of the party are currently being investigated by more than a dozen police forces, providing an ongoing headache for party HQ.
They are also subject to a probe from the Electoral Commission – one of the key points of call the Tories list in their new job ad.
Compliance staff will likely have to help the Tories argue that – contrary to allegations – they did not breach spending limits by lavishing cash on hotel stays for campaigners and the much-lauded Battle Bus tour of marginal seats.
Any news on Tory Election Fraud #bbcdp
— Andrew Miles (@Manwithaview1) September 5, 2016
Even though David Cameron was at the helm of the party when the alleged offences took place, it still has repercussions for Theresa May’s government.
As Heat Street has previously observed, Downing Street chief of staff Nick Timothy and close May aide Stephen Parkinson both stayed in a hotel at the centre of the allegations, potentially opening them to the claims.
Police forces contacted by Heat Street said their investigations are still underway, and offered no further comment.
The Conservative Party maintains that all election spending was lawful. Heat Street wishes all brave applicants well.
