Labour has criticized Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, for a breach of corporate regulations after it emerged that she failed to register as the controller of Conservative Party companies within the required timeframe.

Badenoch, who became Conservative leader on November 2, was not listed as the person of significant control for the party’s companies until January 30, when the error was identified by Labour and corrected.

According to Companies House regulations, any change in a company’s person of significant control must be reported within 14 days.

The breach was brought to light when Labour pointed out that Badenoch’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak, remained registered as the controller of the companies despite Badenoch’s new role.

Labour spokespersons called the incident a 'shambles' and urged Badenoch to explain whether the delay could constitute a criminal offence, which could carry penalties such as imprisonment or fines.

The 2016 and 2017 law changes, brought in by the Conservative Party, require timely declarations of persons of significant control, with enforcement action possible for those who fail to comply.

Badenoch had updated her register of MPs' interests to reflect her control of several Conservative-linked companies, but this information had not been reflected in the official Companies House register.

A Conservative Party spokesperson confirmed that an update had been filed, acknowledging the error.