A Labour councillor is under police investigation after allegedly revealing the Weaste and Seedley by election result of a rival party on Twitter before results had been announced last month.
Officers were called on June 20 following allegations of a publication of exit polls, breaching section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.
Swinton South Ward councillor Howard Balkind was interviewed under caution at Pendleton police station after allegedly releasing the vote count of BNP elected representative Kay Pollitt on his official Twitter account – which has now been disabled.
Labour candidate Paul Wilson was declared the winner, with the party keeping their seat after the death of Councillor Janet Rochford in March.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “On Thursday 20 June 2013, police were called following allegations of a breach of section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.
“A man was interviewed under caution at Pendleton Police Station and inquiries are ongoing.”
A Salford BNP spokesperson confirmed that they sought legal advice from Salford City Council, Electoral Commission and their legal team before pressing charges.
The investigation is still on-going.
Picture courtesy of @Nicky Coleman via flickr, with thanks.
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