PART 3The election campaign

Constituency and individual candidates: payment of expenses by or through election agent43

1

Subject to paragraph (4), no payment (of whatever nature) shall be made by—

a

a constituency or individual candidate at an Assembly election; or

b

any other person,

in respect of election expenses incurred by or on behalf of the candidate unless it is made by or through the candidate’s election agent.

2

Every payment made by an election agent in respect of any election expenses shall, except where less than £20, be vouched for by a bill stating the particulars or by a receipt.

3

The references in paragraphs (1) and (2) to an election agent shall be taken as references to the election agent acting by himself or by a sub-agent.

4

This article does not apply to—

a

any expenses which are, in accordance with article 44(1) or (2), 49(6) or 50(2), paid by the candidate;

b

any expenses which are paid in accordance with article 44(4) by a person authorised as mentioned in that provision;

c

any expenses included in a declaration made by the election agent under article 45; or

d

any expenses which are regarded as incurred by or on behalf of the candidate by virtue of article 63(5).

5

A person who makes any payment (of whatever nature) in contravention of paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an illegal practice.