Sixth arrest made in connection with alleged Tameside local elections offences

A 25-year-old man was arrested in Ashton-under-Lyne on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud

Another arrest has been made in connection with alleged Tameside local elections offences. Five people were previously held in May over the probe and claims of ‘bogus independents’ being planted ahead of the polls on May 7.

In a fresh update on Tuesday (July 14), Greater Manchester Police said a 25-year-old man had been arrested in Ashton-under-Lyne, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and has since been released on police bail.

Five other suspects originally arrested as part of the investigations were equally taken into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud on May 21. The five people – four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47 – were held at addresses in Tameside and later bailed pending further enquiries.

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In the lead up to, and after the election, Greater Manchester Police said they ‘received reports surrounding concerns about candidates’ in the St Peter’s ward. The investigation involves ‘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 previously said.

A spokesperson for the force added on Tuesday: “Multiple lines of enquiry have already taken place, and we remain in contact with the Electoral Commission and local partners as work is progressed.”

In May, the Labour Party denied accusations of planting fake independent candidates in two council wards in Tameside to dilute the vote share and described 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.”

Greater Manchester Police say they are continuing to work closely with the Electoral Commission as part of their ongoing enquiries. 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.”