Five held in council election fraud investigation

Five held in council election fraud investigation14 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePaul BurnellNorth WestPA MediaPolice said they received allegations in the run up to the poll on 7 MayFive people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences as part of an investigation into the process of how candidates were put forward for the local election in Tameside, Greater Manchester.The four men and a woman, aged between 23 and 47, were held at addresses in the borough earlier, police said.A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "In the days leading up to and following the election on 7 May we received reports surrounding concerns about candidates within the St Peter's ward."Following initial enquiries last week, we have launched a full investigation into the allegations."The spokesman continued: "The work is specifically investigating the process of how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures."We are working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners as part of our enquiries."We will provide further updates as we progress our investigation further."Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.Greater Manchester Police