The political landscape of Nelson, a town in Lancashire, has been roiled by a controversy that has sparked a police investigation and triggered internal action within the Labour Party. The dispute centers around a petition calling for a by-election in the Bradley ward of Nelson Town Council, an action that has subsequently led to accusations of irregularities and a significant administrative shake-up within the local Labour ranks.
The genesis of the controversy lies in a vacancy within the Bradley ward. Since January, the seat had been unoccupied following the disqualification of Conservative councillor Tallaha Fiaz. This action, taken due to the councillor’s failure to attend any meetings for a period exceeding six months, created a void that local political actors were eager to fill. With the seat vacant, the process to fill the position began.
The standard protocol for filling such a vacancy is either a by-election or a co-option, the latter of which involves the council appointing someone to fill the vacant position, typically at no cost to the taxpayer. However, a different route was pursued. A letter, purportedly representing the wishes of Bradley ward residents, was submitted to the returning officer. The letter, signed by Colne town councillor Patricia Hannah-Wood, Barrowford parish councillor Manzar Iqbal, and a third Labour party member, formally requested a by-election. This action, if genuine, would have triggered the costly process of holding a public vote to elect a new councillor.
However, the situation soon took an unexpected turn. Concerns began to surface regarding the legitimacy of the petition. Nelson Town Council chairman Faraz Ahmad, along with Bradley ward’s independent representative on Pendle Borough Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, initiated an investigation to verify the validity of the signatures on the petition. Their inquiries revealed information raising serious questions about the consent of the individuals whose names appeared on the petition. Allegations emerged that some residents had not, in fact, authorized the use of their names, casting doubt on the veracity of the entire document.
The findings of this investigation prompted immediate action. The concerned councillors reported the matter to the borough council, highlighting potential ‘irregularities’ in the petition process. The borough council, in turn, escalated the issue by alerting the police, initiating a preliminary investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing. The involvement of the police signifies the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the authorities are examining whether any criminal offences may have been committed in connection with the petition.
Parallel to the police investigation, the Labour Party, the political affiliation of the councillors implicated, took internal action. Labour party sources confirmed that all three members involved in submitting the petition have been administratively suspended. This suspension, a disciplinary measure within the party, reflects the seriousness with which the Labour Party views the accusations and the potential damage to its reputation. This act underlines the party’s attempt to address the situation swiftly and decisively.
Councillor Faraz Ahmad, the Nelson Town Council chairman, provided further context to the controversy. He emphasized that, in recent times, Nelson Town Council has generally sought to avoid the considerable financial burden associated with holding a by-election, which can cost taxpayers an estimated £10,000. The standard practice, when a vacancy arises, is to invite interested individuals to apply to be co-opted to fill the position. This approach, he explained, involves interviews but avoids the expense of a full-scale election.
However, the letter requesting the by-election prompted a review of the signatures, which raised significant concerns. Councillor Ahmad stated, “This led me and others to check the names and it became clearly apparent they had not given their consent: their names were used by the Labour Party falsely.” He added that many individuals whose names were on the petition had since contacted the council’s returning officer to withdraw their names, further substantiating the allegations. In light of these developments, Councillor Ahmad called for the police to expedite their investigation, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the need for a swift resolution.
Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, an independent representative on Pendle Borough Council, offered a particularly forceful condemnation of the actions. A former Labour leader of Pendle Council who had previously left the party over disagreements regarding the Gaza conflict, Iqbal directly implicated Councillors Patricia Hannah-Wood and Manzar Iqbal, specifically accusing them of falsely using the names of innocent people and causing the taxpayers to incur a substantial election bill. He characterized their actions as “political idiocy” and urged the Labour Party to expel them. In addition, he called for them to donate £10,000 to charities supporting vulnerable people in Nelson, as a form of amends for the alleged deception. “Both should be ashamed,” he concluded.
A police spokesman confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “We received a complaint earlier this month about an alleged irregularity in Bradley ward in Nelson following the calling of a by-election and we are in the process of assessing the information provided to determine if any criminal offences have taken place.” This statement confirms the police’s involvement and highlights the seriousness of the potential legal ramifications of the alleged irregularities.
A Labour Party source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the administrative suspensions, stating, “There have been three administrative suspensions related to this,” reinforcing the party’s commitment to addressing the situation internally.
A spokesperson for Pendle Council clarified the council’s role in the matter, stating, “Pendle Borough Council is aware of this issue and the matter has been referred to the police.” She further emphasized that, once called, the council has a legal duty to hold the by-election, regardless of the ongoing investigations. The by-election, if it proceeds as scheduled, is due to take place on March 27, adding a time-sensitive element to the unfolding drama.
The implications of this situation are significant. The allegations of falsified signatures on the petition raise questions about the integrity of the democratic process and the ethical conduct of elected officials. The police investigation underscores the potential for criminal charges, which could have far-reaching consequences for those involved. The Labour Party’s internal response reflects its determination to protect its reputation and maintain public trust. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the adherence to ethical standards within local government. As the investigation progresses and the by-election looms, the residents of Bradley ward, and the wider community of Nelson, await a resolution to this complex and contentious situation. The potential damage to the Labour Party and public faith in local government is considerable. Both the suspended councillors have been approached for comment, and have yet to provide a statement on the issue. The community watches with intrigue to see how the next chapter of the unfolding story plays out.