Friday 26 April 2013

Norfolk election: Police investigate 'malpractice' allegation


From the BBC:
Police have been called in to investigate allegations signatures were forged on a nomination paper for next week's local elections.
The inquiry relates to forms for Jonathon Childs, a UKIP candidate in the Norfolk County Council elections.
A Norfolk Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have received a complaint of electoral malpractice, which we are investigating."
UKIP agent Matthew Smith said election procedures had been followed correctly.
Mr Childs is standing for UKIP in the East Flegg division, near Great Yarmouth.
Matthew Smith, UKIP
UKIP agent Matthew Smith said he did not believe there had been any wrong-doing
Under election rules, candidates have to sign the form, along with 10 people who support the nomination.It is alleged one or more signatures on his nomination paper were forged.
Linda Mockford, assistant returning officer, said she received a complaint about an alleged irregularity on a nomination paper and had referred the matter to the police.
"The nominations have been declared valid and the election will proceed. Anything will be dealt with after the election," she said.
Mr Smith, who is agent for UKIP candidates in the Great Yarmouth area and is also standing for election himself, said he was "absolutely certain" that paperwork had been filled out correctly.

"I can say that there's been no wrong-doing on our part and I don't believe that there has been any wrong-doing at all," he said.
Mr Childs declined to comment.