No evidence found of ‘family voting’ claims at Gorton and Denton by-election
Greater Manchester Police have concluded their investigation
Last updated 27th Mar 2026
An investigation into claims of illegal ‘family voting’ at the Gorton and Denton by-election has found no evidence that anyone was directed or coerced on how to vote.
The enquiry was carried out under Section 62C of the Representation of the People Act 1983, as updated by the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
Officers said the key test for an offence is whether there was intent to influence a voter, and no such evidence was identified.
What prompted the investigation
The investigation began after a criminal report from Reform UK, following a public statement by observers from Democracy Volunteers.
Four observers reported seeing some voters entering polling booths together and, in some cases, people appearing to look over others’ shoulders.
They estimated this may have happened on 32 occasions across 15 polling stations during the by-election on 26th February.
However, the observers did not report any verbal instructions or physical actions suggesting someone was directing another person how to vote.
What investigators found
Officers spoke to all four observers and gathered their accounts, as well as speaking to presiding officers at 15 polling stations and the Acting Returning Officer.
No additional complaints were reported beyond those raised by Democracy Volunteers.
Police said they were unable to identify any suspects or pursue further lines of enquiry because no descriptions or timings were recorded.
They also said CCTV could not be effectively used due to a lack of identifying details and the fact that ballot papers are not time-stamped.
Out of 45 polling stations contacted, 41 did not have CCTV in operation due to guidance aimed at protecting ballot secrecy.
CCTV from three stations was reviewed, but officers said it did not show any evidence of voters being influenced.
Conclusion from police
Officers said there was no evidence of intent to influence or prevent anyone from voting, which is required to prove an offence under the law.
They added that findings have been shared with the Electoral Commission and the Returning Officer.
The complainant has also been updated on the outcome.
Returning Officer response
Tom Stannard, Returning Officer for the by-election, said: “We welcome the conclusion of Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into claims of illegal ‘family voting’ in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Our elections team have also scrutinised the details of observers’ claims, cross-referencing them against our records from individual polling stations.
“The upshot of this examination is that we are confident that the allegations are not substantiated, and that the integrity of the by-election was not affected. This is supported by the findings of GMP’s investigation.
“We reiterate that all of our polling station staff are comprehensively trained to look out for any signs of undue influence on voters and can, and do, intervene wherever necessary.
“We remain alive to all potential issues that could impact electoral integrity. Polling station staff preparing for the forthcoming local elections will again be trained on what to look out for to ensure best practice. But we cannot allow the inaccurate impression that there were significant issues at the Gorton and Denton by-election to stand.
“The headline claims were made public just minutes after the polls had closed. By contrast, it was 11 days before the observer’s specific claims were shared with us.
“If observers had concerns they should have raised them with polling station staff immediately. It is unfortunate that did not happen in this case. The fact that the Electoral Commission, in their newly-updated guidance for electoral observers, have made explicit that potential issues should be raised on the spot is very welcome. So too is the guidance that observers should base all conclusions on factual and verifiable evidence and not draw conclusions prematurely."
Nigel Farage Response
Reform leader Mr Farage said: “Frankly, this is exactly the kind of establishment whitewash people are sick to death of.
“This isn’t good enough. We need proper oversight, real accountability and the courage to admit when something isn’t right, not another brushed-under-the-carpet report from the usual suspects.”
Zack Polanski Response
Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski's accused others of Islamophobia over the claims. On a post on X he said: "The morning after Hannah won I was asked time and time again about this.
"There was no evidence for it. Instead the establishment media fuelled the fire.
"It was Islamaphobic. And it's because those in power are scared of us ending rip off Britain."