IT WAS like a scene from a movie. If that movie is comedy classic Anchorman.
On one corner of Portland Street North and Dean Street in Ashton-under-Lyne sat Team Ahmed – supporters of Ahmed Mehmood, independent candidate for St Peter’s.
On the opposite, Team Atta, those backing Labour’s Atta Ul-Rasool.
It felt intimidating. one volunteer stood by a table offering juice and water that was set up by supporters of the former told how he felt, ‘it could get nasty later on.’
But it showed how divided that part of Ashton was at the May 7 local election. If you needed illustration, posters backing rivals sitting yards from each other on several streets provided one.
All it needed was the ‘’Spanish language news crew’ to occupy another corner and complete the Anchorman analogy – there was never any chance of independents Muhammad Ali and Marie Fairhurst showing up.
Old-school cars with microphones touring the area, urging people to vote for their candidate, were set up.
And as people turned up to cast their vote, the tension rose – although a minute’s drive away at Ashton West End Primary Academy’s polling station, nothing.
Also, the claims of family voting that were made – the same accusation that came as Reform UK lost the Gorton and Denton by-election, which Greater Manchester Police found no evidence of.
Leader of Reform UK in Tameside, Robert Barrowcliffe, stated: “Disgraceful. All reported to the police as it happened and confirmed to have been witnessed by polling staff.
“Cllr Allan Hopwood witnessed four instances of it having been in the polling station for less than 10 minutes. How much happened before he arrived there?”
A video was posted later, with the tagline: “As much chaos and bedlam outside as there was inside.
“Disgraceful and needs investigating and sorting before the next elections in Tameside.”
All it showed was groups of people gathered on a public highway, yet while all the focus was on that area, it pointed towards the forgotten part of the ward.
Anyone referring it is as Ashton St Peter’s is wrong. It does not exist. Try telling voters in Audenshaw they are part of Ashton St Peter’s.
And when the results were eventually revealed, after a recount was called as candidates waited to take the stage at Dukinfield Town Hall for the declaration, the drama did not stop.
The Correspondent heard repeatedly the campaign left people ‘knackered,’ so deciding on a recount did not go down well.
When results for Muhammad Ali and Marie Fairhurst, whose candidacies had been questioned – not least by friends of the latter – they were greeted with shouts of: “Fake!”
Respectively, they received 117 and 174 votes, the impact of which was not lost as Ul-Rasool was declared the winner by a majority of 177, with Reform UK’s Gaynor Francis polling 864.
The Correspondent heard all the claims and counter claims surrounding their involvement in the election, with Labour figures describing them as ‘nonsense.’
But the now Cllr Ul-Rasool, visibly relieved when it became clear he had succeeded with 1,352 votes to Mr Mehmood’s 1,175, told how he had to sit tight and bite his tongue.
He said: “There were all sorts of unfortunate allegations and everything, but I always tried my best, focus and stick to what’s right. It was difficult at times, though.
“There were several moments where the allegations, the toxicity and the negative culture was getting a bit too much.
“But I always looked at the end goal, the focus and why I’m in it. What I was doing it for, and just avoid the negativity, focus on the positives.
“I’ve answered and addressed all the allegations in a respectful manner.
“We all live in a community, and I heard the names of the people proposing and seconding Independents, Labour, Green, Reform and Conservative.
“Everybody’s got a democratic right to support, vote and be a part of whichever team suits them best.
“What is interesting is that the centre of attention is towards the ‘fake independents’ in St Peter’s, but it’s all false accusations and everything’s been addressed and raised with the relevant authorities.
“I’ve been around for four years as a community activist, lifelong resident of St Peter’s, giving my blood, sweat and tears, to run a positive, proactive and productive campaign.
“I always tried my best to remain calm, respectful and chilled. I think I did pretty well and everyone was calm and respectful from both sides – mine and Ahmed’s – which is great.
“We all had a good laugh and a joke, shared a brew together as well, a few cigarettes and bottles of water as well from the campaigners.
“It was just passionate campaigning from family and friends. There were certain situations where a bit of what’s going on, but presiding officers were informed.”
One situation where something did go on happened when a member of staff was taken ill, with The Correspondent understanding it was Mr Ul-Rasool who raised the alarm before followers of Mr Mehmood helped with treatment.
He added: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the member of the council staff who had a medical episode.
“I’d like to thank the members of the public who were inside the polling station, who approached the police officers on duty, the ambulance staff that came out, and obviously I’d like to thank the residents – in particular, the one and only Oggie Ogden, who came to the rescue, and his partner, who provided first aid assistance.”