Rochdale councillor accepts police caution for electoral offence

Councillor Faisal Rana

A Rochdale councillor has accepted a police caution for an electoral offence.

Councillor Faisal Rana said: "I have today accepted a police caution for an electoral offence, which relates to me casting separate votes for two different wards in two different constituencies (Spotland and Falinge, and Norden Ward) in the local elections earlier this year.

"I did not realise this was an offence and misinterpreted the rule that says it is possible to vote in two different electoral areas. As soon as this was brought to my attention, I went for a voluntary interview at the local police station and co-operated with police fully in this regard.

"I sincerely apologise for this genuine mistake to my ward constituents, the council, the local Labour group and my councillor colleagues for this oversight and mistake.

"I now want to put this behind me and concentrate fully on serving the people in my ward to the absolute best of my ability."