Confirmation of Electoral Commission investigation
Following continuing press interest, the Office of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has today confirmed its ongoing investigation into a complaint made by a member of the public about the Electoral Commission’s investigation into donations in the name of 5th Avenue Partners Ltd to the Liberal Democrats. The Deputy Ombudsman, Kathryn Hudson, is leading the investigation.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s role is to consider complaints that government departments and agencies, and the NHS in England, have not acted properly or fairly or have provided a poor service. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about public bodies within her jurisdiction. Private companies, individuals and political parties are outside her jurisdiction.
Last year, the Ombudsman’s office completed 79% of investigations within 12 months. Where there is a significant volume of paperwork to consider as part of the investigation – as in this case – it can take longer.
If an investigation is upheld, the Ombudsman is able to make recommendations in order to put things right. Recommendations differ according to the circumstances of each case, but may include an apology, remedial actions and/or a compensation payment. Last year, 99% of the Ombudsman’s recommendations were accepted by the public bodies concerned.
The legislation which governs the Ombudsman’s work states that investigations must be conducted in private. We are not able to comment further on the progress of the investigation.
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