Greater Manchester Police has concluded 'no offences were committed' following a complaint over a 'possible breach of electoral regulations' in Stockport. An allegation was made to the council's returning officer, which was in turn passed to the police for investigation.
The Manchester Evening News understands concerns were raised the secrecy of postal votes had been compromised at this month's local elections. GMP have now confirmed an investigation did not uncover any breach of electoral law ahead of the May 4 polls.
A spokesperson said: "The returning officer at Stockport council received a complaint which was passed to Greater Manchester Police. "Having looked into the complaint, which was an allegation of a possible breach of electoral regulations, we have found that no offences were committed."
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The requirement of secrecy is enshrined in law - namely under section 66 of The Representation of the People Act. This states that anyone involved in the election - including candidates, agents, clerks and officers - 'shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of voting'.
Except for some purposes authorised by law, they should not communicate any information they have obtained before the poll is closed. And they should not 'attempt to ascertain at the proceedings in connection with the receipt of the ballot papers the candidate for whom any vote is given on any particular ballot paper or communicate any information with respect thereto obtain at those proceedings'.
Anyone who breaches the law in this respect could face a fine or jail term of up to six months. Stockport's local elections saw the Lib Dems remain the largest party, but they fell just two shy of the 32 seats they needed for a majority.
Labour is the second largest group, with 24 councillors - but new leader Coun David Meller has not given up hope of marshalling support from the Independent Ratepayers, Greens and new Edgeley Community Association, in order to snatch the reins from the Lib Dems.
While the numbers appear to put the Lib Dems in the driving seat, negotiations between the two main parties and the minority groups are still being thrashed out. The new leadership of the council will not be formalised until the annual council meeting next Thursday (May 25).
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