Four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47 have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, Greater Manchester Police said today. This comes after an investigation by the Manchester Mill alleged that fake independent candidates were put forward by Tameside Labour in the local elections to split opposition votes. GMP said:
“This morning, officers in Tameside arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections.
In the days leading up to and following the election on May 7, we received reports surrounding concerns about candidates within the St Peter’s ward.
Following initial enquiries last week, we have launched a full investigation into the allegations.
The work is specifically investigating the process of how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures.
The five people – four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47 – were arrested at addresses in Tameside this morning. They remain in custody for questioning.
We are working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners as part of our enquiries. We will provide further updates as we progress our investigation further.”
A Labour Party spokesman said: “No evidence has been presented of any Labour Party involvement in these allegations. We categorically reject any suggestion that the Party was involved. The local Labour team is focussed on what really matters – delivering for residents and protecting services, not playing political games. We are unable to provide any further comment while police inquiries are underway.” Developing…
Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree MP backing Andy Burnham, told Times Radio there wouldn’t be trouble from the markets under Burnham:
“The markets will have to fall in line.”