Updated 29 August 2014 with a breakdown of Brighton Pavilion expenses [650KB PDF]
Lisa Murray, Chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party, said, “It has come to our attention that questions have been raised by an individual regarding the election expenses declarations made by Brighton & Hove Green Party for the 2010 general election.
“We refute the allegations being made as nothing more than an attempt to smear the local Green Party. No evidence has been forthcoming to back up the allegations being made, and they are based on claims made by a member of the party who is currently the subject of disciplinary proceedings.
“The returns required by the Electoral Commission were filled out in full and the returns were completed to the satisfaction of the Electoral Commission.
“The allegations relate to staff expenditure and take no account of the fact that campaign staff were employed by the Green Party nationally and working in other target constituencies as well as Brighton Pavilion for the duration of the election campaign.
“We intend to go beyond that which we are required to do by law and publish more detailed information, once we have fully considered the questions being raised.
“In the meantime, we want to point out that the allegations by this individual have changed several times – at one point alleging Brighton & Hove Green Party spent an outlandish £500,000 in Brighton Pavilion in 2010, despite the Green Party nationally only spending a total of £325,425 in 2010. This compares to the millions spent by the larger parties nationally.
“Given the high-profile nature of the 2010 general election campaign in Brighton Pavilion, it would be impossible for any of the fluctuating versions of these claims to be concealed from the public.
“The Green Party will not enter into any further public debate about these unsubstantiated accusations.
“We are also taking legal advice on what we believe are false and malicious claims.
“Anyone with genuine concern should contact the Electoral Commission.”