A police investigation into allegations of illegal “family voting” in the Gorton and Denton by-election has found no evidence of intent to influence or stop votes from being cast.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “We’ve concluded our investigation into alleged ‘family voting’ at last month’s Gorton and Denton by-election, finding no evidence of any intent to influence or refrain any person from voting.”
The police said officers spoke to four volunteers present at polling stations on the day of the by-election, who saw some instances of more than one voter going into a booth at the same time, and instances of people looking over the shoulder of voters.
This may have happened 32 times across 15 polling stations, the police said, based on the witness accounts.
However, the observers do not allege any verbal instruction or physical conduct that indicated one person was directing or coercing another regarding how to vote.
GMP added: “This is a crucial part of the legislation to prove such an offence was committed.”
Police added there was no “admissible evidence of intent or action aimed at influencing the vote”, due to a lack of CCTV or descriptions of individuals alleged to be involved.
Tom Stannard, returning officer for the by-election, said in a statement issued by Manchester City Council: “We are confident that the allegations are not substantiated, and that the integrity of the by-election was not affected.
“This is supported by the findings of GMP’s investigation.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reported the allegations to police last month, following the victory of Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer.
GMP said they received no further criminal reports, in addition to the one from Reform.
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