Police probe claims Labour bribed voters with food to support by-election candidate
Labour accused of bribing voters with food at by-election event
- Police are investigating claims that the Labour Party attempted to bribe voters with food during an event for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
- The probe follows a video showing attendees at a dinner, reportedly for 600 people including Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell, being told to hold up Labour posters “if you want to get fed”.
- Labour sources contend the event constituted “ordinary hospitality” and did not breach electoral law, which prohibits “treating” or corruptly influencing voters with provisions.
- The by-election for the Gorton and Denton seat, vacated by Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, is a closely contested race for Labour against challenges from the Green Party and Reform UK.
- Both the Green Party and Reform UK have criticised Labour over the incident, with Reform suggesting Labour risked breaking the law, while Labour dismissed the claims as politically motivated.
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