Reform UK is facing a police investigation after a campaign leaflet distributed during the Gorton and Denton by-election was found to potentially breach electoral law by omitting a mandatory imprint. The party has attributed the error to its printer, Hardings Print Solutions Limited, which has accepted responsibility for the omission during production.
Electoral Commission and Police Involvement
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they have received a complaint regarding the leaflet and will investigate the matter. The Electoral Commission has clarified that failing to include an imprint on candidate election material constitutes an offence, and such cases are handled by the police. The leaflet, which features a letter from Reform UK member Patricia Clegg explaining her switch from Labour to Nigel Farage's party, was distributed without the required imprint identifying the party responsible for its dissemination.
Reform UK's Response and Printer's Statement
A Reform UK spokesman stated that the campaign supplied artwork with the correct legal imprint and approved proofs from the printer that included it. The party emphasised that they did not request or authorise the removal of the imprint. In response, Hardings Print Solutions Limited issued a statement acknowledging that the omission resulted from their production process, not from Reform UK's instructions.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Labour's campaign political lead, Andrew Western MP, criticised Reform UK, asserting that campaigns are accountable for materials distributed to voters and that blaming a printer does not excuse legal failures. Former Conservative agent Andrew Kennedy highlighted the seriousness of the oversight, noting his extensive experience without ever allowing a leaflet to be delivered without a lawful imprint. This incident occurs as Reform UK candidate Matthew Goodwin campaigns in a seat Labour previously held with over 50% of the vote, with some polls indicating Labour may now be in third place behind the Greens.
Background and Context
The leaflet in question includes a letter from Patricia Clegg, who identifies as a local pensioner and Reform UK member. In the letter, she expresses disillusionment with Labour, citing tax increases that she claims have cost pensioners an extra £160. The omission of the imprint has led to referrals by groups like Turn Left Media to the Electoral Commission, underscoring the heightened scrutiny in this closely watched by-election.
