Kent Police says it will consider whether to ask for more time to consider claims about election expenses made by the Conservatives in South Thanet after a meeting with an election watchdog.

The force was one of a number represented at a meeting yesterday with the Election Commission to discuss the claims, first raised by Channel 4 news.

The Electoral Commission wants the police to ask for an extension to enable the police to pursue possible prosecutions.

In a brief statement after Wednesday's meeting, Kent Police said it was “considering the way forward.”

The CPS issued a statement, saying:

“Following a constructive meeting with the police and Electoral Commission, it has been agreed that each relevant police force will consider what action to take. This may include making an application to the court under s.176 of the Representations of the People Act 1983 to extend the time allowed to bring a prosecution.”

Electoral law says any investigation should normally be made within 12 months of the election but does allow requests for an extension in exceptional circumstances for more time.

The claims centre on whether the expenses run up by the Conservatives in the South Thanet campaign were properly reported to the Electoral Commission.

The constituency is one of a number where the Conservatives are facing claims they failed to properly record the costs of “battle buses” and accommodation for scores of activists helping in key target seats.

The party has denied any wrongdoing and says it complied with the requirements under the law.

The watchdog has been considering if the Conservative Party met its reporting obligations under the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA) 2000.