Borough commissions independent review of election following adverse coverage

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough has called in the Association of Electoral Administrators to conduct an independent review of the Parliamentary election last week.

The council said this followed “adverse coverage in the media and also social media about the process of the election”.

The Electoral Commission has also contacted the council following the coverage.

Criticisms focused on the following issues:

• The issue of postal votes.
• Individuals whose application to join the Electoral Register was awaiting determination.
• Voters who had been added to the Electoral Register after the issue of poll cards being able to vote in polling stations.

John Sellgren, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Chief Executive and also the Returning Officer, said: “We have commissioned the most suitably qualified organisation in the country to investigate the issues set out above and to determine whether there were any shortcomings in relation to the conduct of the election.

“We are hopeful the Association can start its work immediately and produce their report as soon as possible.

“In the report we have asked them to set out the details of the investigation undertaken, comment on the matters investigated and come forward with any recommendations for action.”

Cllr Elizabeth Shenton, Leader of the Council, said: “I have been kept informed of the situation and fully support the course of action which is being proposed.”

A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said: “We welcome this review and will support it in any way we can. We will be reporting on the administration of the polls in due course.”