Angela Rayner denies involvement after five arrested over electoral fraud claims in her constituency

Angela Rayner has strongly denied involvement after five people were arrested as part of an investigation into alleged offences committed in the lead up to the local elections.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed earlier today four men and a woman, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested this morning on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud in the former deputy Prime Minister's Ashton-under-Lyne constituency.

The force said it had received reports of concerns about candidates in the St Peter’s ward of Tameside council in the days before and after the election on May 7.

Online newspaper The Mill reported the arrests followed its investigation into claims that fake independent candidates were put forward in a bid to split the vote, with one discussion about the scheme allegedly taking place in Ms Rayner's kitchen.

The St Peter’s ward was won by Atta Ul-Rasool for Labour, beating the second-placed independent candidate, Ahmed Mehmood, by 177 votes.

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police said: "In the days leading up to and following the election on May 7, we received reports surrounding concerns about candidates within the St Peter’s ward.

"Following initial enquiries last week, we have launched a full investigation into the allegations.

"The work is specifically investigating the process of how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures."

Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson said: "If these allegations are true, then it’s a disgrace and the people involved should feel the full force of the law.

"Ordinary voters are sick and tired of politicians and activists thinking the rules don’t apply to them.

"Elections in Britain must be free, fair and beyond reproach. The police and the Electoral Commission must get to the bottom of this quickly, and if wrongdoing is proven there can be no excuses and no cover-ups."

The former deputy prime minister said today's developments have nothing to do with her that and any suggestion she has been involved in or aware of any alleged wrongdoing is baseless, reports The Telegraph.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Migrant crisis: EU would FORCE Britain to take in 'refugees' if Labour overturns Brexit
• Andy Burnham's Labour would have firepower to beat Reform, new poll finds
• Labour 'carefully considering' making it illegal to work when it is 'too hot'

GB News understands Labour is not aware of any party figures being among those arrested, and the claims of Sir Keir Starmer's party standing up "bogus independent candidates" are "completely baseless and untrue".

A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said: "We are aware of an investigation by Greater Manchester Police into alleged offences committed in the lead up to the local elections in Tameside.

"It is important voters can have confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.

"We will continue to provide advice and guidance on electoral law as required. We will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing."

A Labour Party spokesman told GB News: "No evidence has been presented of any Labour Party involvement in these allegations.

"We categorically reject any suggestion that the party was involved.

"The local Labour team is focused on what really matters, delivering for residents and protecting services, not playing political games.

"We are unable to provide any further comment while police inquiries are under way."