Police probe ballot fraud claim

Mr Khan has resigned his party whip

Police have confirmed they are looking into claims of voting irregularities by a Bradford Conservative councillor.

Jamshed Khan resigned the Tory whip on Tuesday afternoon after claims emerged that 13 people had applied for a postal vote at his home address.

Another 12 people are registered to vote at a derelict house which he co-owned until last year.

Bradford council has asked for confirmation these people live at the addresses. Mr Khan denies wrongdoing.

'Nothing to hide'

Mr Khan's house is in the marginal Labour seat of Bradford West.

In a statement he said: "I have absolutely nothing to hide. I am willing to co-operate with any inquiry.

"Until this matter is fully resolved, as I am sure it will be, I plan to resign the Conservative whip."

In a statement Philip Robinson, acting returning officer for Bradford district, said: "The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire and I are working closely together to prevent postal ballot fraud.

"We are doing everything within our power to ensure the postal voting system is not abused.

"Having examined the allegations regarding two properties in Bradford I have asked, as the law entitles me, for confirmation from all those persons registered at these properties to confirm their eligibility to be on the register."

Chf Supt Simon Wilsher of West Yorkshire Police said: "We will be investigating this matter fully to determine if there are any criminal offences disclosed."