Reform reports claims of 'family voting' to police and Electoral Commi

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says his party has reported claims of “family voting” in the Gorton and Denton by-election to police and the Electoral Commission.

It comes after election observer group Democracy Volunteers warned it had witnessed “concerning high levels” of family voting.

This is an illegal practice where two voters use one polling booth and potentially direct each other on voting.

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Mr Farage earlier claimed there was “sectarian voting and cheating” in the contest after his party came second to the Greens, who dismissed the remarks as a bid to undermine the result.

In a statement later, he said: “Reform has today reported the many cases of ‘family voting’ to the Electoral Commission and the police.

“What was witnessed yesterday is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process in predominantly Muslim areas.

“If this is what was happening at polling stations, just imagine the potential for coercion with postal votes.

“If action isn’t taken now, then we will ensure it is after the next general election.”

What is the row about?

Reform’s candidate Matt Goodwin finished second in the by-election held on Thursday, behind the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer, who won by more than 4,400 votes.

But concerns were raised by Democracy Volunteers about “family voting”.