Reform UK Faces Police Investigation Over Byelection Letter Breach
Reform UK is embroiled in a police investigation following the distribution of letters in the Gorton and Denton constituency byelection that lacked a legally mandated imprint. The omission has triggered accusations of electoral law violations and dirty campaigning tactics from political opponents.
Details of the Electoral Law Breach
Greater Manchester police confirmed they received a report about the breach on Friday evening and will investigate the matter. The Electoral Commission emphasised that failing to include an imprint on candidate election material is an offence, with enforcement falling under police jurisdiction.
Dozens of voters in the constituency reported receiving letters purportedly from a local pensioner, Patricia Clegg, aged 74. The letters, written in a handwriting-style printed font, criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer and promoted Reform UK, but did not disclose they were funded and distributed by the party as required by law.
Reform UK's Response and Printing Error
When contacted, Clegg confirmed she is a Reform UK member and was asked by the party to write the letter. She stated she was unaware of the imprint requirement. A Reform spokesperson attributed the error to a printing mishap, claiming the campaign provided the correct legal imprint to their contractor, Hardings Print Solutions Ltd in Middlesex, but it was inadvertently removed during printing without the party's knowledge.
The printer has taken full responsibility for the error. However, Labour's campaign political lead, Andrew Western MP, argued that campaigns are ultimately responsible for materials distributed, and blaming a printer does not excuse the legal failure.
Political Reactions and Campaign Dynamics
The Green party accused Reform of "playing dirty" and highlighted Reform's funding from crypto billionaires and fossil fuel giants. They urged voters to support Green candidate Hannah Spencer to counter Reform's divisive politics. Meanwhile, the byelection is anticipated to be a closely contested race among Labour, the Greens, and Reform, with all parties claiming momentum.
The letters, shared on local Facebook and WhatsApp groups, expressed frustration with Labour's policies and questioned the Green party's stance on issues like drug legalisation and gender-neutral facilities. One unaffiliated voter reported the matter to Manchester city council's elections office, underscoring public scrutiny over the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on adherence to electoral regulations and the integrity of campaign practices in this high-stakes political contest.
