An extensive police investigation into alleged electoral fraud surrounding a local election in Tameside has led to the arrest of five individuals. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that four men and one woman, aged between 23 and 47, were apprehended on suspicion of fraud offences, specifically conspiracy to defraud. The arrests took place on Thursday morning in the Ashton-under-Lyne area of Tameside, with all five remaining in custody for questioning.

The investigation centers on allegations that "fake" or "bogus" independent candidates were strategically used to influence the outcome of the St Peter’s ward election in May. Reports suggest these individuals were encouraged to stand as independent candidates with the aim of splitting opposition votes, thereby benefiting the Labour Party. These claims were initially brought to light by The Mill, a Manchester-based publication, which investigated the alleged scheme.

In the St Peter's ward election, Labour candidate Atta Ul-Rasool secured the seat, winning by 177 votes more than independent candidate Ahmed Mehmood. Ul-Rasool was the sole Labour candidate to win a seat in Tameside that year. Two other independent candidates, Marie Fairhurst and Muhammad Ali, collectively received 291 votes. The Mill reported that both Fairhurst and Ali exhibited minimal visible campaign presence and did not respond to contact attempts during the election period. Following the results, the Tameside Correspondent reported that Fairhurst stated she had not been aware she was standing as a candidate. Kaleel Khan, who managed Mehmood’s campaign, indicated his intention to challenge the election result at Tameside council.

Greater Manchester Police stated that their inquiry, launched after receiving reports surrounding concerns about candidates in the St Peter's ward both before and after the May 7 election, is specifically scrutinizing "the process of how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures." Initial enquiries last week escalated into a full investigation, with authorities working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners.

The Labour Party has strongly denied any involvement in these allegations. A spokesperson stated, "No evidence has been presented of any Labour Party involvement in these allegations. We categorically reject any suggestion that the party was involved." They further emphasized the local Labour team's focus on delivering for residents rather than engaging in "political games." Similarly, a Tameside council spokesperson affirmed the importance of upholding electoral integrity and confirmed cooperation with the police, declining further comment while the investigation is active. The Electoral Commission echoed this stance, stressing the importance of voter confidence in the electoral process and offering advice on electoral law as required.

As of now, no charges have been brought against the arrested individuals, and the police investigation remains ongoing. Council leader for Tameside, Eleanor Wills, had reportedly referred the initial allegations against her party to the police and Electoral Commission.