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07
Feb
No charges against Harrogate Lib Dems after police investigation
North Yorkshire Police has said there is “no evidence to support a prosecution” after investigating Harrogate Liberal Democrats for electoral malpractice.
A Lib Dem leaflet in March last year wrongly claimed the Green Party had "stood down" at the following month's Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone by-election on North Yorkshire Council.
The Lib Dems claimed it was a printing error but the Greens submitted a formal complaint to the police, who arrested a man in his 60s and a man in his 20s, both from the Harrogate area.
They were later released under investigation while enquiries continued.
Lib Dem candidate Andrew Timothy won the by-election on April 11, which was caused by the resignation of long-serving Pat Marsh, who previously held the seat for the Lib Dems.
Cllr Timothy received 1,094 votes. Conservative John Ennis was second with 768 votes and Green candidate Gilly Charters was third with 376 votes,
The Stray Ferret this week asked North Yorkshire Police if it had taken any further action.
A spokesperson said:
North Yorkshire Police has concluded its investigation into alleged electoral malpractice by the Liberal Democrats during the March 2024 Stray, Woodlands, and Hookstone by-election.
Following a detailed and comprehensive investigation it has been determined that there is no evidence to support a prosecution for a breach of Section 106 (5) of the Representation of the People Act 1983.
North Yorkshire Council and the Electoral Commission have been updated.
A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said:
We welcome confirmation from North Yorkshire Police that its investigation into these allegations is concluded, and that there is no evidence to support further action. Our priority is working hard for the people of Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone.
Ms Charters said the Greens did not receive an apology from the Lib Dems and complained to the police to show the major parties “can’t ride roughshod” over smaller ones.
She added she was satisfied with the police investigation and the Greens continued to engage with other “progressive” parties, including the Lib Dems.
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