The leader of Warrington Borough Council has been charged with electoral malpractice.
Councillor Russell Bowden, 52, has been charged in relation to allegations surrounding the 2021 full council elections.
Cheshire Police confirmed that Cllr Bowden was charged with several offences and he is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on December 31.
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A police spokesperson said: "The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised Cheshire Constabulary to charge a man in connection with allegations of electoral malpractice.
"Earlier this year, Cheshire Constabulary received information relating to the Warrington local council elections 2021.
"Detectives launched an investigation into the matter and, following advice received from the CPS, a number of charges have now been authorised.
"Russell Bowden has been charged with one count of providing a false statement in nomination papers (contrary to Section 65A of the Representation of the People Act 1983) and three counts of providing false information to a registration officer (contrary to section 13D of the Representation of the People Act 1983).
"He is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Friday 31 December 2021.
"Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Bowden are live and that he has a right to a fair trial."
Cllr Bowden ( Labour) has been the council leader since 2018
A spokesperson for Cheshire Council said: "The council is aware of the investigation and charges. As this is an ongoing matter we will not be commenting further."
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