A Reform UK campaigner has found himself at the centre of a police investigation and widespread condemnation after an astonishing alleged attempt to sway voters—with frozen desserts.
The incident occurred in the Leicestershire constituency of South Leicestershire, where local activist Joseph Boam was reported for offering free ice cream to members of the public just metres from a polling station on General Election day.
A Chilling Allegation
Electoral law in the UK is explicitly clear: it is illegal to attempt to influence a person's vote by handing out food, drink, or any other item. This is considered a form of bribery, a corrupt practice that carries severe penalties.
Eyewitnesses and opposing campaigners reported Mr. Boam to the police and the returning officer after seeing his ice cream van stationed conspicuously close to the polling station at Bouskell Park in Blaby.
The Party Response
In a statement, a Reform UK spokesman confirmed the candidate for the area, Alan Graves, had "sacked the individual involved with immediate effect." The party sought to distance itself from the activist, stating the action was not authorised and they have a "zero-tolerance approach to anything that may compromise the integrity of the electoral process."
Leicestershire Police confirmed they are "looking into a report of a person offering items to members of the public outside a polling station," confirming an investigation is underway.
A Serious Breach of Democracy
This incident highlights the strict protocols governing British elections. The law forbids campaigning and the distribution of any material that could be seen as an inducement within the vicinity of polling stations to ensure voters can cast their ballots free from intimidation or influence.
If proven, this alleged act of offering ice cream could be deemed a corrupt practice under the Representation of the People Act 1983, potentially resulting in a hefty fine and even imprisonment.
