Investigations into the alleged electoral fraud by the Conservatives in Cornwall will be investigated by West Mercia Police.

The allegations, which carry the penalty of a three year ban from holding elected office including as an MP, relate to the Camborne and Redruth and North Devon constituencies which were won by Tories George Eustice and Scott Mann.

It is alleged that local party members did not declare expenses relating to the Conservative Party Battle Bus which visited constituencies during the 2015 General Election, the cost of which may have pushed them over their spending limits.

Also implicated in the scandal is the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, who signed off on the spending return for Torbay MP Kevin Foster.

The Assistant Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police, Paul Netherton, said: "Following a programme aired by Channel 4 on 20 and 21 April, the Force received allegations relating to improper electoral campaign spending returns in Devon and Cornwall in the 2015 general election.

"It is imperative that the public and the workforce have confidence in this Force in respect of transparency, integrity and impartiality in this matter. Therefore, the Chief Constable made a decision to transfer the investigation into the allegations to another Force. West Mercia Police have agreed to carry out the independent investigation.

"We are fully aware that there is a 12 month limitation of proceedings for certain offences, which would mean that no criminal action could be taken in relation to these offences past this point without the police applying for an extension. We are currently awaiting final advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, but we will work with West Mercia Police to ensure this extension is secured before the deadline."