Prosecutors are expected to announce today whether Conservative politicians or officials will face criminal charges over alleged electoral expenses fraud, according to reports.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been considering files submitted by 15 police forces across England - including Cumbria Constabulary - in relation to activities surrounding Tory campaigning in the 2015 general election.

The investigation centres on allegations that expenses were incorrectly recorded, raising the potential for offences under the Representation of the People's Act 1983.

Decisions on whether to press charges had been expected to come in late May or early June, but reports last night suggested an announcement was imminent.

Allegations highlighted by Channel 4 News and the Daily Mirror relate to busloads of Conservative activists sent to key seats, whose expenses were reported as part of national campaign spending rather than falling within the lower constituency limits.


John Stevenson The so-called 'Battle Bus' stopped off in Carlisle to support the campaign of John Stevenson as part of its national tour.

Mr Stevenson is seeking reelection next month and has insisted he did nothing wrong.

The CPS said the June 8 poll would have no impact on the timing of decisions on whether to press charges.

Each file relates to allegations concerning a candidate and an election agent and the number of people involved totals at least 30.

The CPS has received files from the following police forces: Avon & Somerset, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Kent, Lincolnshire, Metropolitan, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, West Mercia, West Midlands, West Yorkshire.