Reform and Tories report family voting' allegations to watchdog

"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."

"This is clear evidence that electoral offences were committed, and a blind eye was turned to corruption and criminal activity."

"One previous election observer for the group said it would be important to know the methodology behind the group's claim that 12% of observed voters were involved in family voting, given that there was a grey line as to what precisely that meant."

Following the Gorton and Denton byelection, Reform UK and the Conservative Party filed complaints with the Electoral Commission regarding alleged voting irregularities. Democracy Volunteers, an election observers group, reported witnessing high levels of family voting, where one family member influences how others cast ballots. Nigel Farage claimed the election involved cheating and sectarian voting, drawing comparisons to disputed election narratives. However, Reform's chair David Bull initially stated the outcome was not affected, though Farage later suggested otherwise. Conservative shadow communities secretary James Cleverly also contacted authorities, citing the Democracy Volunteers report as evidence of electoral offences. Questions remain about the methodology behind the 12% family voting figure and the precise definition of such conduct.

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