PART 3The election campaign

Meaning of “election expenses”63

1

In this Part “election expenses”, in relation to a constituency or individual candidate, means (subject to paragraph (3) and article 64) any expenses incurred at any time in respect of any matter specified in Part 1 of Schedule 7 which is used for the purposes of the candidate’s election after the date when he becomes a candidate at the election.

2

No election expenses are to be regarded as incurred by virtue of paragraph (1) or article 64 in respect of any matter specified in Part 2 of Schedule 7.

3

In this article and in article 64, “for the purposes of the candidate’s election” means with a view to, or otherwise in connection with, promoting or procuring the candidate’s election at the election.

4

For the purposes of this Part, election expenses are incurred by or on behalf of a candidate at an Assembly election if they are incurred—

a

by the candidate or his election agent; or

b

by any person authorised by the candidate or his election agent to incur the expenses.

5

In this Part, any reference to election expenses incurred by or on behalf of a candidate at an Assembly election includes expenses—

a

which are incurred as mentioned in paragraph (1) before the date when he becomes a candidate at the election but

b

which by virtue of that paragraph fall to be regarded as election expenses.

6

In this Part and in Part 4, any reference (in whatever terms) to promoting or procuring a candidate’s election at an election includes doing so by prejudicing the electoral prospects of another candidate or registered political party at the election.

7

Schedule 7 has effect.

8

A Code of Practice issued by the Secretary of State under the provisions of paragraph 14 of Schedule 4A to the 1983 Act39 shall apply to Schedule 7 as it does to Schedule 4A to the 1983 Act.