From The Telegraph
Police are investigating a Labour Party campaign event where voters were told to hold up posters “if you want to get fed”.
The party faces allegations of attempting to bribe voters at a dinner organised for members of the south Asian community as part of Labour’s campaign to win the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed it is investigating the event for alleged “treating” – the electoral offence of bribing voters with food, drinks or other benefits in exchange for votes.
The dinner was held at a restaurant and wedding venue in Manchester on Wednesday and hosted around 600 people, including Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, and Lord Khan of Burnley.
Attendees were asked to support Angeliki Stogia, Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, and were given a free meal.
Labour sources claimed the event was not in breach of electoral law, because the rules against treating allow “ordinary hospitality”.
However, a video released online on Monday appeared to show attendees being asked to support Ms Stogia in exchange for their food.
An organiser, who appeared to be setting up a photograph, could be heard telling voters: “There needs to be a sea of red Angeliki posters in this hall. Friends, there are some people still sat down, not holding the flyers up. This is really important. If you want to get fed, I’ve been told you have to hold one of these up.”
Follow this link for a longer clearer video
Responding to the latest reports on the gala dinner in support of Labour’s candidate, a police spokesman told The Telegraph: “We are aware of this and are investigating.”
