A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Ashton-under-Lyne on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, becoming the sixth person detained in connection with alleged offences related to the Tameside local elections. The suspect has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Background of the Investigation
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an investigation after receiving reports about candidates in the St Peter's ward ahead of the May 7 local elections. Five individuals were previously arrested on May 21 on similar suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. Those suspects—four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47—were taken into custody at addresses in Tameside and subsequently bailed.
The probe focuses on the process by which candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and whether this adhered to relevant legislation and electoral procedures. Police have stated that multiple lines of enquiry have already been pursued, and they remain in contact with the Electoral Commission and local partners.
Allegations of 'Bogus Independents'
The arrests are linked to claims of 'bogus independents' allegedly planted to influence the election outcome. In May, the Labour Party denied accusations of planting fake independent candidates in two council wards in Tameside to dilute the vote share, describing the allegations as 'completely baseless and false'.
A Tameside Council spokesperson previously said: 'We're aware of the investigation by Greater Manchester Police into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections in Tameside. We place great importance on upholding the integrity of the electoral process and we are working closely with the police and other relevant authorities to support their investigation. We will continue to assist as required and will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing.'
Electoral Commission Involvement
The Electoral Commission has also been engaged in the case. In a statement issued in May, a spokesperson for the independent body said: 'We are aware of an investigation by Greater Manchester Police into alleged offences committed in the lead up to the local elections in Tameside. It is important voters can have confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. We will continue to provide advice and guidance on electoral law as required. We will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing.'
GMP reiterated on Tuesday that they are continuing to work closely with the Electoral Commission as part of their ongoing enquiries. The investigation remains active, and further updates are expected as it progresses.
