Labour Demands Police Action Over 'Family Voting' Allegations in By-Election
Labour has called for a police investigation following reports of widespread illegal "family voting" during the Gorton and Denton by-election. An elections observer group, Democracy Volunteers, documented what it described as "concerningly high levels" of this practice, which involves multiple voters casting ballots together in a manner that may compromise electoral integrity.
Observer Group Reports Significant Irregularities
Democracy Volunteers claimed to have witnessed family voting in 68 per cent of the 22 polling stations it monitored during the by-election. The group estimated that this illegal activity affected approximately 12 per cent of the voters observed, raising serious questions about the fairness of the electoral process. These findings have sparked alarm among political parties and watchdog organisations.
Labour and Electoral Commission Respond
Labour's chairwoman, Anna Turley, labelled the report "very concerning" and expressed hope that the appropriate authorities would launch a thorough investigation. In a statement, she emphasised the need to uphold democratic standards and ensure that all votes are cast freely and independently. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has urged anyone with concerns about illegal voting practices to report them directly to the police, reinforcing the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
Local Council Criticises Observer Group
Manchester City Council, which oversaw the by-election, criticised Democracy Volunteers for not raising the alleged issues with polling station staff during operating hours. A council spokesperson argued that immediate reporting could have allowed for on-the-spot interventions to address any irregularities, rather than relying on post-election disclosures that complicate verification and resolution.
The controversy comes as Labour faced defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with party leader Keir Starmer speaking out about the need for electoral integrity. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring and enforcing voting regulations, particularly in closely contested races where every vote counts.
