Police have arrested five people over allegations of fraud in elections to Angela Rayner’s local council.

Four men and a woman – aged between 23 and 47 – have been arrested as part of an investigation into the process of how candidates were put forward in Tameside.

The news from Greater Manchester Police came after Labour denied accusations that fake independent candidates had been planted in two council wards, in a bid to split the support of opponents.

A spokesman for Ms Rayner, who represents the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, previously dismissed the idea she was involved as ‘obvious nonsense’. She is understood to be adamant that she was not involved in, or aware of, any alleged wrongdoing.

A spokesman told the Tameside Correspondent last month that she had ‘no input or involvement in the selection of candidates for any of the wards within her constituency’. 

Police have arrested five people over allegations of fraud in elections to Angela Rayner’s local council. A spokesman for Ms Rayner, who represents the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, previously dismissed the idea she was involved as ‘obvious nonsense’

Reform ended up securing 18 seats in the contest on May 7, while Labour was reduced to just one

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. 

A spokesman said: ‘This morning, officers in Tameside arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections.’

They added: ‘Following initial inquiries 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 ended up securing 18 seats in the contest, while Labour was reduced to just one. 

A Labour Party spokesman said: ‘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 underway.’

It is understood Labour does not believe any party figures were among those arrested, and regards the allegations that ‘bogus independent candidates’ were stood as ‘baseless and untrue’.

A Labour spokesman told the Manchester Evening News at the end of last month: ‘These allegations are completely baseless and false. 

‘Our Labour team are focussed on what really matters to residents – delivering for residents and protecting services, not playing political games.’

The party is said to have reported ‘misinformation’ to the police and Electoral Commission.

Tameside Independent Group’s deputy leader Kaleel Khan has questioned the election result in St Peter’s ward, accusing Labour of planting ‘fake independent candidates’, although he did not report it to police.

Today he said it would ‘not be appropriate for me to comment in detail at this stage’ given there was now an active police investigation.

But he added: ‘However, I am concerned by the seriousness of the reports and the suggestion that the integrity of the election process may have been compromised.

‘It is important that the investigation is allowed to proceed properly and independently so that the public can have confidence in the outcome and in local democracy.’

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: ‘We’re aware of the investigation by Greater Manchester Police into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections in Tameside. 

‘We place great importance on upholding the integrity of the electoral process and we are working closely with the police and other relevant authorities to support their investigation. We will continue to assist as required and will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing.’