Five arrested as part of local elections investigation

Five people were arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud in connection with alleged offences around local elections. Four men and a woman, aged 23 to 47, were detained on Thursday morning. Police received reports of concerns about candidates in St Peter's ward of Tameside council before and after the May 7 election. The investigation focuses on how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and whether the process followed relevant legislation and electoral procedures. Police are working with the Electoral Commission and local partners. The St Peter's ward was won by a Labour candidate, with Reform UK and three independent candidates also placing. Labour denied any involvement, while Reform UK called for a full and swift investigation.

"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 newspaper The Mill reported the arrests followed its investigation into claims that fake independent candidates were put forward in a bid to split the vote."

"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.""

Read at Irish Independent