Reform UK candidate Liz Williams is taking legal action after losing a Worcestershire County Council election to Green Party candidate Hannah Robson in a random draw following a tie. The election for the Littletons ward ended with both candidates receiving 889 votes after multiple recounts. To break the deadlock, two ballot papers were placed in a box, and Robson's name was drawn, securing her victory.
Williams has filed an election petition at the High Court in London, arguing that the process was unfair and akin to a 'toss of a coin'. She claims the draw was not conducted in accordance with the law, citing alleged irregularities during the vote and count. Williams also stated she felt unable to witness the entire process without obstruction and was pressured into accepting the procedure.
At a preliminary hearing, Mrs Justice Yip allowed the petition to proceed against Robson and deputy returning officer Vic Allison. However, cases against local police and the council's chief executive were struck out. The returning officer's legal representative, Timothy Straker KC, indicated he would seek to dismiss the petition on the grounds that it was filed out of time.
While rare, such tie-breaking draws have occurred in UK local elections before, including in Blyth in 2007 where straws were drawn, and in Yorkshire in 2022 where a candidate proposed poker before drawing straws. The Electoral Commission advises returning officers to decide ties by lot when candidates have equal votes.
