- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has concluded its investigation into claims of 'family voting' during the Gorton and Denton by-election, stating there was 'no remaining reasonable line of inquiry'.
- The allegations, initially made by election observer group Democracy Volunteers and reported by Reform UK and the Labour Party, suggested illegal practices where individuals directed or influenced another's vote.
- GMP found no evidence of 'any intent to influence or refrain any person' from casting a ballot, which is a crucial element for proving an offence under the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
- The force noted that while observers reported instances of multiple people in booths, they did not allege verbal instruction or physical coercion, and no specific details or identities were provided to officers.
- Nigel Farage, whose Reform UK party came second in the by-election, reacted furiously to the decision, describing it as an 'establishment whitewash'.
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