Council investigates Reform event following Clacton by-election
Tendring District Council refused event application due to late submission
Tendring District Council is investigating an event held to celebrate Nigel Farage's victory in the Clacton by-election, which reportedly went ahead without official permission.
The overnight rally took place at Great Oakley airfield on 13th August, drawing hundreds of attendees.
According to the council, a Late Temporary Event Notice (LTEN) application was refused due to its late submission.
Council rules require such applications to be filed at least five working days before the event.
Lisa Hastings, corporate director for law and governance at the council, confirmed the absence of an LTEN authorisation for the festival.
"We can confirm that a Late Temporary Event Notice (Late TEN) was submitted in relation to an event on Thursday, 13 August, at Great Oakley Airfield.
"This notice was refused, and a counter-notice served, as it was not submitted within the statutory timescales required under the Licensing Act 2003.
"No authorisation was therefore granted under a Late Temporary Event Notice for the event."
Reform UK released a statement asserting that LTEN authorisation was not required.
A spokesman for the party said: “Reform UK are confident that no rules were broken and the event was conducted in accordance with the law.”
The statement claimed the LTEN was submitted as a precaution despite all legal requirements being met.
Nigel Farage, elected MP for Clacton with an increased majority of 12,784, did not attend the official declaration at Clacton Leisure Centre over safety concerns but was present at the celebratory festival.
The council's ongoing investigation may result in legal action against the event's organisers.