Candidates and agents warned following voting fraud allegations

Vote - Election 2011

The Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, Roger Ellis and Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, Divisional Commander of Rochdale Police, summoned candidates standing in the upcoming local election, and their agents, to a private meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday night (26 April 2011) following allegations of postal vote fraud.

Rochdale Online understands that the allegations relate to all political parties and during the meeting the rules and regulations regarding postal voting were reiterated.

The meeting followed at least nine complaints made by voters across the borough, who were being 'encouraged' to sign their voting slip and hand back incomplete to candidates, agents and/or supporters – so they could complete them instead.

The allegations relate to six wards across the borough, including Milkstone and Deeplish, Spotland and Falinge, Smallbridge and Firgrove, Heywood North and Central.

Councillor Niam Mahmud, of the Kingsway ward, said voters there had been “intimidated” and “scared” by people coming to 'collect' their postal votes.

Councillor Jean Ashworth, from Smallbridge and Firgrove,  said: “We have got to come up with a better system because every year it is getting worse. It might cost the Council more, but, I suggest that we go as far as having officials to collect the votes. Officials deliver them so why can’t they collect? It is the only way to stop it.”

Councillor Ashworth said she felt the allegations “brought the town down.”

David Clayton, also a Kingsway Councillor, called on the publication of a postal voting list to be scrapped.

He said: “The Council legally needs to get out of releasing a list of who has voted and where. There is no point.”

Councillor Clayton said the list “encourages political parities” to seek the votes of those who haven’t yet voted.

He added: “It is not following British traditions. It isn’t doing anyone any good and it increases tension.”

Leader of the Independent Alliance, Greg Couzens, said: "It is a disgrace and the only way to stop it is to prosecute someone. I have faith that Chief Superintendent John O'Hare will follow this up."

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert,said: "Once again Rochdale is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

"If we can clean up politics then we can rebuild the Borough of Rochdale.

"Politicians have to accept votes cannot be bought, they have to be earned. I therefore offer my personal support to anyone feels intimidated to make a statement to Greater Manchester Police.

"Let's bring this practice to an end."