Nigel Farage has thrown a strop after Reform UK got smashed in the Gorton & Denton by-election. He’s accused voters of illegal “family voting” and has reported the issue to both the Electoral Commission and the police.
Farage Slams “Family Voting” in Muslim-Majority Areas
Farage claims this shady practice raises “serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process in predominantly Muslim areas.” Reform UK’s candidate Matthew Goodwin was trounced by Green Party’s Hannah Spencer, who romped home with a massive 4,000-vote majority.
What’s ‘Family Voting’ and Why It Could Skew Results
“Family voting” happens when two or more people sneak into the polling booth together, potentially pressuring each other’s votes — it’s illegal. Democracy Volunteers, an election watchdog, flagged “concerningly high levels” of this on polling day.
“Reform has today reported the many cases of ‘family voting’ to the Electoral Commission and the police. What was witnessed yesterday is deeply concerning,” Farage said.
He warned: “If this is what was happening at polling stations, just imagine the potential for coercion with postal votes. If action isn’t taken now, then we will ensure it is after the next General Election.”
Mixed Messages: Reform UK Boss Downplays, Greens Hit Back
Reform UK chairman Dr David Bull wasn’t so sure it made a difference. When grilled, he admitted it probably didn’t affect the result.
“If I’m being candid, probably not,” Bull said when confronted about the “unprecedented levels of illegal family voting.”
The Greens dismissed the allegations as a “Trump playbook” smear tactic following their landmark win.
“We’ve just won a historic by-election by a comfortable margin. We’ve shown the country that Greens can beat Reform, despite their big business donations,” a Green Party spokesperson said.
What’s Next? Electoral Probe Launched
Hannah Spencer’s victory marks a breakthrough for the Greens in Greater Manchester. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission will investigate Reform UK’s formal complaint. Police have also opened a probe into the by-election conduct.
