FIVE people have been arrested as a formal investigation into alleged election fraud in Tameside has been launched.
The appearance of independent candidates Muhammad Ali and Marie Fairhurst on the ballot paper in St Peter’s ward raised suspicions.
When their names were read out at the declaration of the result, people – notably supporters of another independent candidate, Ahmed Mehmood – shouted ‘fake.’
Marie Fairhurst received 174 votes and Muhammad Ali 117 as Labour’s Atta Ul-Rasool was declared the winner with a majority of 177.
Now Greater Manchester Police has confirmed arrests – four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47 – have been made and a full investigation launched following initial inquiries.
It is understood the probe is looking specifically at how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward.
Also, if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures.
A friend, who says she knows the 59-year-old personally, said she has never signed up to be a councillor, nor as they put it, ‘let alone run to be a candidate.’
This Marie Fairhurst admitted two counts of fly tipping – one taking place on Russell Street and the other on Stanhope Street – when she appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 23, 2024.
But seeing the same name appear on the St Peter’s candidate list – and the reaction since – left who is described as ‘a 59-year-old woman with learning difficulties and lives alone’ at the centre of a furore.
The friend told The Correspondent: “It could bring negativity to a woman’s house that has nothing to do with running as a candidate.
“Yes, the Marie I know did fly tip back in 2024 and has also paid off the fine, so that could be where they mistakenly got her name or deliberately.
“Either way, it’s wrong and my friend is upset. She has no clue what any of this is about.”
The five remain in custody for questioning after being taken in on the morning of Thursday, May 21.
Greater Manchester Police is also working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners as part of its enquiries.