Former housing secretary Angela Rayner has been drawn into a growing row over alleged electoral fraud linked to local elections in Tameside.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that four men and one woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud following claims that fake independent candidates were placed on the ballot paper in a bid to split opposition votes.
The allegations relate to Tameside borough council elections held in Rayner’s Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, where Labour candidate Atta ul-Rasool won St Peter’s ward by 177 votes. Two alleged “fake” independent candidates secured a combined 291 votes.
Reports have claimed individuals associated with the local Labour group discussed the tactic, with one alleged conversation said to have taken place in Rayner’s kitchen. However, sources close to the former deputy prime minister strongly deny she had any involvement in, or knowledge of, any alleged wrongdoing.
The controversy comes weeks before a key by-election in Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is expected to stand as Labour faces mounting political pressure in Greater Manchester.
The Manchester Mill reported claims that WhatsApp messages circulated in Labour-linked groups discussed placing fake independent candidates on the ballot paper to split votes against the Labour candidate. The report also alleged that the messages were quickly deleted, with members instructed not to discuss the matter further in the group chats.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “This morning, officers in Tameside arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections.
“In the days leading up to and following the election on May 7, 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 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.
“The five people – four men and a woman aged between 23 and 47 – were arrested at addresses in Tameside this morning. They remain in custody for questioning.
“We are working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners as part of our enquiries.”
A Labour Party spokesperson told the press: “No evidence has been presented of any Labour Party involvement in these allegations. We categorically reject any suggestion that the party was involved.
“The local Labour team is focused on what really matters – delivering for residents and protecting services, not playing political games. We are unable to provide any further comment while police inquiries are under way.”
