Former Conservative Party Candidate Convicted of Electoral Fraud – Shirlie Duckworth Prosecutes

A former Conservative party candidate, standing for election as a Borough Councillor, was convicted of electoral fraud after a week long trial. Shirlie Duckworth prosecuted the case whilst the defendant was standing as a candidate in a local election at the time of the trial. He received 24 votes in the election on the same day that he was convicted of one of two counts on the indictment. The jury found him guilty of using a corrupt practice in securing nominations to be eligible to stand for election. The Elections Manager for Hyndburn Borough Council explained that, “It is important that the rules regarding nomination papers are followed, as not doing so will comprise the integrity of the democratic process”