Allegations of fraud in High Wycombe local elections
Thames Valley Police are making enquiries into the claims
An investigation into allegations of electoral fraud in High Wycombe is underway.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) confirmed it is “making enquiries” following alleged voter fraud during the May 6 local elections, relating to the ward of Totteridge and Bowerdean, in the town.
The investigation comes after a group of men allegedly attempted to break into the main hall at Wycombe Leisure Centre, on May 8, while the election count was happening.
It is not known if the attempted breach at the leisure centre and the allegation are related.
Since then, the Liberal Democrats have alleged more than 100 ballot papers had been spoilt, suggesting “possible tampering to ensure these Lib Dem votes would be rejected”.
At the time, TVP said: “No offences were identified by officers at the scene, no arrests were made, and the election count continued.”
Independent Cllrs Steve Guy, Imran Hussain, and Julia Wassell were elected to represent Totteridge and Bowerdean.
Bucks Council said the matter is now “for the courts”.
Liberal Democrat candidate for Totteridge and Bowerdean, Ben Holkham, said:
“The issue in the Totteridge and Bowerdean local elections concerns over 100 spoilt ballot papers, of which almost all have three Lib Dem crosses in one colour, and a fourth cross for a candidate from another party in a different colour.
“As only three crosses per ballot paper are permitted, the fourth cross being added spoiled those 100 or more ballot papers.
“This suggests possible tampering to ensure these Lib Dem votes would be rejected, and as such is deeply concerning.
“These papers were available for all candidates to inspect at the count and the issue of the fourth cross was also commented upon by members of other parties.”
He added:
“We continue to work through the next steps with the relevant authorities, including discussions around the electoral petition process and have also written to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley to further raise awareness and to ensure our system continues to be appropriately protected from fraud and corruption and maintains the public trust.
“We will issue further updates shortly as they become available.”
Independent Cllr Julia Wassell said: “We encourage the police and other agencies to fully investigate any irregularities reported related to elections and await their conclusions.”
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Barber, said:
“Any suggestion of ballot papers being tampered with is extremely worrying and clearly of great concern.
“The office of the PCC is not responsible for election management issues.
“Voter fraud is unacceptable and if there is an investigation to be made it would be done so between the returning officer and Thames Valley Police.”
A Bucks Council spokesman said:
“It would not be appropriate for the returning officer to comment on any allegations made about the election in Totteridge and Bowerdean, given that an election petition has now been received challenging that election. This is now for the courts.”
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “TVP received a report of alleged fraud on May 10, 2021, relating to the elections on May 6, 2021, in High Wycombe. We are making enquiries following this report.”
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey was also approached for comment.