Nigel Farage’s claims of family voting in Gorton and Denton have been shot down by the police, who found there was no evidence of “any intent to influence or refrain any person” from casting a ballot in the by-election.
Election observer group Democracy Volunteers said it had witnessed “concerningly high levels” of the illegal practice whereby a person enters a polling booth with someone else or otherwise directs their vote.
Reform UK, whose candidate Matt Goodwin came second with 28.7 per cent of the vote to the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer, who won with 40.7 per cent, reported this to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Labour also called for the authorities to look into claims of “family voting” in the by-election, with the party’s chair describing the Democracy Volunteers’ findings as “very concerning”.
Speaking to Sky News last month, Labour MP for Redcar Anna Turley said: “It’s really concerning to hear. I hope the appropriate authorities will be looking at that, examining it and taking any reasonable steps.”
In a statement on Friday, GMP said eyewitness accounts from observers had suggested some instances of more than one person going into a booth at the same time, and of people looking over the shoulder of voters.
But the force said the observers did not allege “any verbal instruction or physical conduct that indicated one person was directing or coercing another regarding how to vote”.
“This is a crucial part of the legislation to prove such an offence was committed,” it said.
Mr Farage reacted furiously to the decision to close the probe, saying: “Frankly, this is exactly the kind of establishment whitewash people are sick to death of.
“This isn’t good enough. We need proper oversight, real accountability and the courage to admit when something isn’t right, not another brushed-under-the-carpet report from the usual suspects.”
Police said they had asked Democracy Volunteers for descriptions of those alleged to be involved, and timings on when incidents are believed to have occurred.
These details were not documented, and officers were not provided with any identities or descriptions to pursue, meaning there is “no remaining reasonable line of inquiry”, GMP said.
The force said it had obtained some CCTV footage from three polling stations visited by Democracy Volunteers and spoken to the presiding officer from each one, but that no evidence was found of direction or coercion.
“There is no evidence to suggest any intent to influence or refrain a person from voting as stated in the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023,” it said.
“Family voting” – where two voters either confer, collude or direct each other on voting – was made illegal by the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
The Gorton and Denton by-election saw the Green Party snatch the formerly safe seat away from Labour in a humiliating defeat for Sir Keir Starmer.
Mr Farage claimed the election result was a “victory for sectarian voting and cheating” after his candidate came in second place behind Ms Spencer.
Reform UK candidate stands down after appearing to do Nazi salute
Farage says he has been invited to watch Sunderland after Ipswich visit backlash
Farage claims ‘whitewash’ after police find no evidence of Gorton family voting
Middle East conflict could drive up homelessness, housing minister warns
Emily Thornberry warns Britain is ‘complacent’ in ‘disinformation war’
Parents should not be only ones to ensure children stay safe online – watchdog
