Five arrested on suspicion of fraud offences following local elections
Five people have been arrested over allegations of corruption ahead of local elections in Tameside, police said.
Four men and a woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, Manchester Police said on Thursday.
The arrests took place following the investigation Manchester Mill Website where “fake” independent candidates are allegedly being put forward by the Tameside Labor Party group in order to split the votes of opposition parties.
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 May 7 election.
St Peter’s was the only district to bring back Labor councilor Atta Ul-Rasool, described as a “protégé” of former deputy prime minister and local MP Angela Rayner. Reform won the remaining 18 council seats.
A police spokesman said: “Following initial inquiries last week, we launched a full investigation into the allegations.
“The study specifically investigates how candidates are put forward and represented in the ward and whether this complies with relevant legislation and election procedures.”
The spokesman said police were working with the Electoral Commission and local partners.
Manchester Mill It reported allegations that internal messages were being published in party-affiliated WhatsApp groups discussing the placement of fake independent candidates on the ballot paper in order to split votes going to a Labor candidate’s rivals.
It was claimed that there were “fake” independents called Muhammad Ali and Marie Fairhurst in St Peter’s ward.
According to the Tameside Reporter who approached him, he was unaware that a woman living in the area was on the ballot paper.
Labor has described allegations that it has fielded bogus independent candidates as “baseless” but the arrests come at a critical time as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to stand in the nearby Makerfield by-election next month and could launch a leadership challenge against the prime minister if he wins.
A Labor spokesman said: “No evidence of Labor involvement in these allegations has been provided. We categorically reject any suggestion that the party was involved. The local Labor team is focused on what really matters – providing and protecting services for residents and not playing political games. We cannot comment further while police investigations are ongoing.”
It is understood that Labor was unaware that any members of the Labor Party were among those arrested.
An Electoral Commission spokesman said: “We are aware that Greater Manchester Police are carrying out an investigation into alleged offenses ahead of the local elections in Tameside.
“It is important that voters have confidence in the integrity of the election process. We will continue to provide advice and guidance on election law as necessary. We will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”
Independent He contacted the offices of Mr. Burnham and Ms. Rayner, as well as Major Atta Ul-Rasool.
