Police Launch Investigation Into Labour's Alleged Voter Bribery in By-Election
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating serious claims that the Labour Party attempted to bribe voters with food during a campaign event for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. The probe follows the emergence of a video showing attendees being told they must hold up campaign posters if they wanted to receive food at the event.
Video Evidence Sparks Electoral Law Concerns
The controversial footage, released online on Monday, appears to show a man addressing approximately 600 attendees at a Manchester dinner event. In the video, the man can be heard stating: "There needs to be a sea of red Angeliki posters in this hall.... If you want to get fed, I've been told you have to hold one of these up." Angeliki Stogia is Labour's candidate in the by-election, which was called after Labour MP Andrew Gwynne stood down last month.
The dinner is believed to have been organized as part of Labour's campaign strategy to secure victory in next week's crucial Westminster by-election. Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell was reportedly among those in attendance at the event.
Electoral Law and 'Treating' Offences
Under electoral law, the practice of 'treating' constitutes a criminal offence when parties provide food, drink, or entertainment "to corruptly influence any voter." However, Labour sources have defended the event, arguing it did not breach electoral regulations because the rules still permit what is known as "ordinary hospitality."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told media outlets: "We are aware and investigations are ongoing" regarding the allegations. The police have not provided further details about the timeline or scope of their investigation.
Three-Way Battle in Crucial By-Election
The Gorton and Denton by-election has become a fiercely contested three-way race between Labour, the Green Party's candidate Hannah Spencer, and Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which is fielding former academic Matt Goodwin. Labour previously won the seat with more than 50 percent of the vote in 2024, but now faces significant challenges from both the Greens and Reform UK.
Political analysts view this by-election as a potential crisis moment for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who risks facing internal party challenges if Labour suffers a substantial defeat. The outcome is being closely watched as an indicator of Labour's standing with voters ahead of future national elections.
Opposition Parties Condemn Labour's Tactics
The Green Party issued a strong statement condemning Labour's actions: "Labour know they have blown this by-election and are desperately trying to save face by buying votes. It won't work. The people of Gorton and Denton, including the Muslim communities invited to this event, don't have a short-term memory over issues like Gaza and Labour's long-held belief of taking voters for granted."
Reform UK also criticized Labour's approach, with a spokesperson stating: "In a race to the bottom with the Greens, it now appears Labour have risked breaking the law."
Labour's Response and Previous Electoral Controversy
Labour has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, with a party spokesman asserting: "This is a desperate, politically motivated move. The momentum on the doorstep is with Labour and it will further highlight to residents in Manchester just what is at stake."
This incident follows another electoral controversy earlier this month, when a letter distributed for Reform UK in the same by-election was referred to both the Electoral Commission and police. The letter, purportedly from "a local pensioner" named Patricia Clegg, explained why she had switched her vote from Labour to Reform UK. Opponents claimed the leaflet potentially violated electoral law because it lacked the required party imprint identifying who distributed it.
The by-election in Gorton and Denton represents a critical test for all parties involved, with the police investigation adding an unexpected layer of controversy to an already heated campaign. Voters will deliver their verdict next week amid these allegations of electoral misconduct.
