Five arrests on suspicion of fraud in ‘fake independent candidates’ row over elections to Angela Rayner’s local council
Police have arrested five people over allegations of corruption in Angela Rayner’s local council elections.
Four men and one woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested as part of an investigation into the process of how candidates were nominated in Tameside.
The news from Greater Manchester Police comes after Labor denied accusations that fake independent candidates were placed in two of the council’s wards in a bid to split support from rivals.
A spokesman for Ms Rayner, who represents the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, had previously dismissed the idea of her involvement as ‘obvious nonsense’. He is understood to be adamant that he was not involved in or aware of any alleged wrongdoing.
A spokesman told the Tameside Reporter last month that he had ‘no input or involvement in the selection of candidates for any area in the constituency’.
Police have arrested five people over allegations of corruption in Angela Rayner’s local council elections. A spokesman for Ms Rayner, who represents the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, had previously dismissed the idea of her involvement as ‘obvious nonsense’.
Reform won 18 seats in the contest on 7 May, while Labor fell to just one
The force said it had received reports of concerns about candidates in Tameside council’s St Peter’s ward in the days before and after the election on May 7.
A spokesman said: ‘This morning officers in Tameside arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into alleged crimes committed ahead of local elections.’
They added: ‘Following initial inquiries last week we have launched a full investigation into the allegations.
‘In particular, the study investigates how candidates are put forward and represented in the ward and whether this complies with relevant legislation and election procedures.’
Reform won 18 seats in the contest, while Labor fell to just one seat.
A Labor spokesman said: ‘No evidence has been given of Labor involvement in these allegations.
‘We categorically reject any suggestion that the party was involved in this incident. The local Labor team is focused on what really matters; to provide and protect services to residents, not to play political games.
‘We cannot comment further while police investigations are ongoing.’
It is understood Labor does not believe any party members were among those arrested and is considering claims of ‘fake independent candidates’ as ‘unfounded and unsubstantiated’.
A Labor Party spokesman told the Manchester Evening News late last month: ‘These allegations are completely unfounded and false.
‘Our staff focuses on the things that really matter to residents; providing and protecting services to residents, not playing political games.’
The party is said to have reported ‘false information’ to the police and the Electoral Commission.
Kaleel Khan, deputy leader of the Tameside Independent Group, questioned the election result in St Peter’s ward and accused Labor of planting ‘fake independent candidates’, but he did not report this to the police.
He said today that ‘it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail at this stage’ as there was an active police investigation.
But he added: ‘However, I am concerned by the seriousness of the reports and allegations that the integrity of the election process may have been compromised.
‘It is important that the investigation is allowed to proceed properly and independently so that the public can have confidence in the outcome and local democracy.’
A Tameside Council spokesman said: ‘We are aware of Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into alleged offenses ahead of local elections in Tameside.
‘We attach great importance to protecting the integrity of the election process and are working closely with the police and other relevant authorities to support their investigations. ‘We will continue to assist where necessary and will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing.’
