Workers Party councillor raises 'serious concern' over Balderstone & Kirkholt by-election

Sunday, 4 May 2025 15:32

By Adam Clark

Kirkholt Community Church (Credit: LDRS) Insert - Cllr Farooq Ahmed

A Workers Party councillor in Rochdale has raised serious concerns regarding Thursday's by-election in Balderstone & Kirkholt, citing multiple issues that call into question the integrity of the electoral process.

In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook overnight, Councillor Farooq Ahmed, who represents Central Rochdale, expressed alarm at what he described as a “breakdown in transparency, fairness, and professionalism” during the election.

The councillor alleges major failings, including serious counting errors, a breakdown of verification processes, and a reported comment from an officer suggesting misconduct.

Cllr Ahmed claims, a council officer allegedly stated:

“This is how we do it and get away with it” in the presence of a police officer and multiple witnesses. He calls for the remark to be investigated, including a review of the officer’s body worn footage.

As reported on the night, the count was briefly disrupted after ballot bundles were allegedly placed in the wrong piles, spotted by independent candidate Billy Howarth.

Ahmed describes this as "deliberate manipulation or staggering incompetence."

Additionally, Ahmed said:

"Ballots for at least two other candidates were also found in Labour’s pile. This pattern indicates systemic failure or, worse, intentional misconduct. Multiple officers blocked the view of ballot boxes during the count, refusing to move when challenged. This behaviour undermines any claim of transparency."

On Friday morning, a spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council said:

“At one point during the counting of votes last night concerns were raised about the process. The concerns were promptly addressed in discussions with all candidates and their agents and all but one was satisfied with the information provided.”

Cllr Ahmed said:

"As an elected member of this borough, I am compelled to raise grave concerns about the conduct of the recent by-election in Balderstone & Kirkholt. What I witnessed alongside many residents and observers calls into question the transparency, fairness, and professionalism of the electoral process under the current Labour-led Council.

"Public distrust is widespread, with social media flooded by reports of irregularities.

"These are not minor oversights they are fundamental breaches of electoral integrity. I will formally submit these concerns to the relevant oversight bodies and demand a full, independent investigation. The public’s faith in democracy depends on free and fair elections. This cannot stand."

Workers Party of Britain candidate Laura Pugh came third, with 398 votes. Jordan Tarrant-Short of Reform UK won the seat with 766 votes, a majority of 142.

Rochdale Borough Council have been contacted for comment.