May 12, 2015 11.25 am This story is over 105 months old

Lincoln parish council election result in doubt after ballot paper blunder

Election error: A Lincoln parish council election may have to be re-run as a number of residents from nearby villages were mistakenly issued with ballot papers for the area.

A Lincoln parish council election may have to be re-run as a number of residents from nearby villages were mistakenly issued with ballot papers for the area.

West Lindsey District Council is currently investigating claims that ballot papers were incorrectly given to residents for the Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council election, the first for many years.

Concerns have now been raised about the legitimacy of the council following the error.

The district council has not disclosed the number of people who voted in error as the investigation is ongoing.

West Lindsey District Council’s chief executive Manjeet Gill, who was the returning officer for the election, said: “The deputy returning officer and I were made aware of a claim about possible irregularities about ballot papers for Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council at 5pm.

“Accordingly, the Electoral Commission was informed and their advice sought which was to proceed with the election.

“They advised that any challenge to the process should be made in accordance with election law and candidates are advised to take independent legal advice.

“We are investigating this matter and will consider the findings.”

The election had a 70% turnout, therefore the majority of residents played a part in selecting the councillors, a re-run would probably mean a drastic reduction in these numbers.

The council has 21 days to make a decision on the action it will take.

The 14 candidates elected were: Charles Allen, Stuart Broxholme, Alison Clubley, Catherine Cole, David Cotton, David Harrison, Elizabeth Hillman, Gerald Ives, Peter Odam, Alan Popham, Alison Riley, John Smithson, Susan Spiers and Ian Willox.