Five arrested in Tameside as police investigate alleged electoral fraud involving fake candidates
Four men and a woman have been arrested in Ashton-under-Lyne on suspicion of fraud over claims that independent candidates were put forward in a local election to split opposition votes and benefit Labour.
Five people have been arrested as part of a police investigation into allegations that fake independent candidates were used to influence the outcome of a local election in Tameside.
Greater Manchester Police said four men and a woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences on Thursday morning in the Ashton-under-Lyne area.
The force said the arrests related to "the process of how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures."
What are the allegations?
The Mill, a Manchester-based publication, investigated claims that individuals were encouraged to stand as independent candidates in the St Peter's ward election in May to split opposition votes and benefit Labour.
Atta Ul-Rasool, the Labour candidate, won the St Peter's ward seat with 177 votes more than Ahmed Mehmood, an independent candidate. He was the only Labour candidate to win a seat in Tameside, where Reform swept 18 of 19 other seats.
Two other independent candidates, Marie Fairhurst and Muhammad Ali, received a combined 291 votes. The Mill reported that both candidates had little visible campaign presence and did not respond to attempts to contact them during the campaign.
What did one of the candidates say?
After the result, the Tameside Correspondent reported that Fairhurst said she had not been aware she was standing as a candidate.
What happens next?
Kaleel Khan, a councillor who managed Mehmood's campaign, has said he intends to challenge the election result at Tameside council.
No charges have been brought. The police investigation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why were five people arrested in Tameside?
- Greater Manchester Police arrested them on suspicion of fraud offences relating to alleged electoral malpractice during the May local elections in the St Peter's ward.
- What are the allegations regarding the St Peter's ward election?
- It is alleged that fake independent candidates were placed on the ballot to split the opposition vote, which may have influenced the final result in favour of the winning candidate.
- Have any charges been brought over the Tameside election fraud claims?
- No formal charges have been made yet. The four men and one woman arrested remain under investigation by Greater Manchester Police.