TAMESIDE Council says it ‘places great importance on upholding the integrity of the electoral process’ as police launch a formal investigation into alleged election fraud.
The local authority has confirmed it is ‘working closely with the police and other relevant authorities’ after five people were arrested in the probe linked to this month’s local elections.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that four men and one woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested on the morning of Thursday, May 21. All remain in custody for questioning.
In a statement which has been sent to councillors and to The Correspondent, a council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the investigation by Greater Manchester Police into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections in Tameside.
“We place great importance on upholding the integrity of the electoral process and we are working closely with the police and other relevant authorities to support their investigation.
“We will continue to assist as required and will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”
The investigation by GMP follows concerns raised over the appearance of independent candidates Muhammad Ali and Marie Fairhurst on the ballot paper in the St Peter’s ward – that The Correspondent first reported on several weeks ago.
Labour candidate Atta Ul-Rasool won the ward with a majority of 177 votes. Marie Fairhurst received 174 votes, while Muhammad Ali secured 117.
It is understood investigators are examining how candidates were nominated and represented in the ward, and whether the process complied with electoral law and procedures.
GMP says it is working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners as enquiries continue.