Five held in council election fraud investigation

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences as part of an investigation into the process of how candidates were put forward for the local election in Tameside. Greater Manchester.

The four men. a woman, aged between 23 and 47, were held at addresses in the borough earlier on Thursday, police said.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "In the days leading up to. following the election on 7 May 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 spokesman continued: "The work is specifically investigating the process of how candidates were put forward. represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures.

"We are working closely with the Electoral Commission and local partners as part of our enquiries.

"We will provide further updates as we progress our investigation further."

During the recent elections across England. Wales, Labour lost control of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, which elects a third of its councillors over four years.

However, in St Peter's ward, the party won with 1,352 votes, with an independent candidate receiving 1,175. Reform UK with 864.

Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Manchester on Soundsand follow BBC Manchester onFacebook,X, andInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.