Ballot tampering arrest made

A newly elected borough councillor in Surrey has been arrested on suspicion of tampering with ballot papers.

The man, who has not been named by police, was arrested on 16 May.

The allegations were made following the Guildford Borough Council elections on 1 May when the man was elected.

Surrey Police said the man is alleged to have visited home addresses of local residents and offered to deliver postal ballot papers on their behalf.

House searched

It is then alleged that he tampered with two of the ballot papers before taking them to a postal ballot box.

The man was taken to Guildford Police Station and interviewed and his house was searched.

He has been bailed for six weeks, pending further investigations.

West Surrey Chief Superintendent said: "Surrey Police have acted promptly following these allegations and are carrying out a full investigation.

"We are working very closely with the returning officer for the election, the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service."