Sixth person arrested in Greater Manchester election fraud probe

Greater Manchester Police have made a sixth arrest in their ongoing investigation into suspected electoral fraud in Tameside.

A 25-year-old man was taken into custody on Tuesday morning in the Ashton-under-Lyne area, the force confirmed.

He was held on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud before being released on bail.

The probe centres on the St Peter's ward during the local elections held on May 7.

GMP said that "multiple lines of enquiry have already taken place, and we remain in contact with the Electoral Commission and local partners as work is progressed."

The force received reports of concerns regarding candidates in St Peter's ward both before and after polling day.

Detectives are examining whether the nomination process for candidates complied with electoral law and proper procedures.

A GMP spokesman previously explained the investigation was "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".

Labour secured victory in the ward with 1,352 votes.

An independent candidate came second with 1,175 votes, while Reform UK finished third on 864.

But Labour lost overall control of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council during the locals, and now run it as a minority administration.

The council operates on a system where a third of seats face election in three out of every four years.

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The Electoral Commission, meanwhile, has confirmed it is aware of the police investigation into alleged offences ahead of the Tameside elections.

A commission spokesman said it was important voters had confidence in electoral integrity.

The watchdog added that it would continue offering advice and guidance on electoral law where needed.

In May, five people were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences relating to the election in St Peter's ward.

The five people - four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47 - were arrested at addresses in Tameside.

Following the arrests, Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson said: "If these allegations are true, then it’s a disgrace and the people involved should feel the full force of the law.

"Ordinary voters are sick and tired of politicians and activists thinking the rules don’t apply to them.

"Elections in Britain must be free, fair and beyond reproach.

"The police and the Electoral Commission must get to the bottom of this quickly, and if wrongdoing is proven there can be no excuses and no cover-ups."

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