Five Arrested in Tameside Local Election Fraud Probe

Greater Manchester Police arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud in connection with the May 7 local election in Tameside. The four men and one woman, aged between 23 and 47, were detained at addresses in the borough on Thursday morning and remain in custody.

Officers received reports about candidates in the St Peter's ward in the days before and after the election. A police spokesman said the investigation examines how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward and whether those steps complied with legislation and electoral procedures. The force is working with the Electoral Commission and local partners.

Labour won the St Peter's ward seat with 1,352 votes.

An independent candidate received 1,175 votes and Reform UK received 864 votes. " — Greater Manchester Police spokesman, May 2026 The arrests followed an earlier investigation by The Mill into claims that fake independent candidates were put forward to split the vote.