An election observer group has reported concerning levels of apparent collusion on voting in the Gorton and Denton byelection, describing it as the highest in its 10-year history. Democracy Volunteers, which deployed four accredited observers across 22 of the 45 polling stations, said they witnessed 32 cases of so-called 'family voting', where individuals appear to direct or influence others' votes in breach of secret ballot rules.
The organisation observed a sample of 545 voters, finding that 12% either directed or were affected by family voting. In one polling station alone, nine cases were recorded. The group noted that signage discouraging the practice was only seen in 45% of stations observed, despite the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023 making such behaviour a clearer breach.
Dr John Ault, director of Democracy Volunteers, said: 'Today we have seen concerningly high levels of family voting in Gorton and Denton. Based on our assessment of today's observations, we have seen the highest levels of family voting at any election in our 10-year history of observing elections in the UK.' He added that in the recent Runcorn and Helsby byelection, family voting affected just 1% of voters, compared to 12% in Gorton and Denton.
Labour chair Anna Turley described the reports as 'extremely worrying and concerning', while Green party leader Zack Polanski backed a potential investigation. Reform UK chair David Bull called electoral fraud 'a stain on democracy'. However, Manchester City Council defended its processes, stating polling station staff are trained to look for undue influence and that no concerns were reported during polling hours. A spokesperson criticised Democracy Volunteers for not raising issues earlier, saying: 'It is extremely disappointing that they have waited until after polls have closed to make such claims.'
