108.Section 51 defines what constitutes sponsorship for the purpose of Part IV. The definition covers any money or other property transferred to a party for the purpose of helping the party with meeting any defined expenses. Subsection (2) defines “defined expenses” as expenses incurred in connection with:
109.However, by virtue of subsection (3), the payment of an admission charge to any conference, meeting or other event, or the purchase price of any publication, does not constitute sponsorship. Subsection (4) confers power to amend by order the definition of “defined expenses” in subsection (2) or the list of exempted items in subsection (3). Such an order may only be made on the recommendation of the Electoral Commission.
Commentary on Sections Part IV: Control of donations to registered parties and their members etc. Chapter I (Sections 50 to 53) : Donations to registered parties Section 51 : Sponsorship