A COUNCILLOR has hit back at allegations of vote-rigging in Hyndburn Council’s May elections by claiming they are part of a "dirty tricks campaign".
We revealed exclusively last week that police are investigating the claims, centring around Accrington’s Central ward, which Allah Dad held for the Conservatives against two other Asian candidates on a huge turnout of nearly 60 per cent.
Councillor Dad, who had earlier declined to comment while the investigation was in progress, said this week: "I’m concerned that these allegations are being made by Labour leader Graham Jones as part of a dirty tricks campaign designed to take attention away from the fact that he lost yet another local election.
"Under Councillor Jones’ leadership, the Labour Party in Hyndburn has sunk to its lowest level. He knows there is a danger of his own group turning on him so he is trying to deflect attention elsewhere."
It is understood most of the complaints relate to the high number of proxy votes cast. Of the 272 such votes cast throughout all of Hyndburn’s 12 wards, 141 were in Central.
Councillor Jones said he had also been told of allegations of bullying at polling stations, people being moved into Central ward so they could vote there and the number of postal votes exceeding expectations.
Councillor Dad said: "I have not been contacted by police but I have made it perfectly clear that I am ready and willing to answer any questions that they have as it’s time that this was cleared up once and for all.
"This whole thing is getting ridiculous. It would be the easiest thing in the world for me to make accusations about the Labour candidate, Tariq Ali, and I certainly received comments from voters who were unhappy about the way in which he and his supporters conducted their campaign.
"As far as I’m concerned this is just a continuation of the dirty tricks that Labour started during the election. If Graham Jones thinks he can use me as a smokescreen for his disastrous leadership then he’s got another thing coming. I won my seat fair and square and no amount of sour grapes on his part is going to change that."
Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I am confident that any wild claims will prove unfounded. The sooner this matter is investigated and cleared up the better it will be."
Councillor Jones said: "It was only a matter of time before Councillor Dad began to panic."
Police said they are still investigating the matter.
