LABOUR have denied involvement with alleged offences committed in the lead up to the local elections in England after five people were arrested.
Greater Manchester Police said four men and a woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.
The force said it had received reports of concerns about candidates in the St Peter’s ward of Tameside council in the days before and after the election on May 7.
A spokesman said: “Following initial inquiries 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.”
Police are working with the Electoral Commission and local partners, the spokesman said.
Online news outlet The Mill reported the arrests followed its investigation into claims that fake independent candidates were put forward in a bid to split the vote.
The St Peter’s ward was won by Atta Ul-Rasool for Labour, ahead of Reform UK’s Gaynor Francis and three independent candidates.
Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson said: “If these allegations are true, then it’s a disgrace and the people involved should feel the full force of the law.
“Ordinary voters are sick and tired of politicians and activists thinking the rules don’t apply to them.
“Elections in Britain must be free, fair and beyond reproach. The police and the Electoral Commission must get to the bottom of this quickly, and if wrongdoing is proven there can be no excuses and no cover-ups.”
A Labour Party spokesperson 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 focused 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 under way.”
