Rochdale's Election Count Controversy Clarified by Daniel Meredith
Rochdale, United Kingdom - Following a contested election count at Kirkholt Community Church on Thursday night, Labour & Co-operative Party representative Daniel Meredith has addressed concerns raised by residents of Balderstone and Kirkholt about the counting process.
Meredith issued a statement clarifying the situation, wherein he acknowledged that a mistake was made by one of the counting officers during the proceedings. "You had to be there to understand fully what went on," he remarked. "A mistake was made, which was questioned by a candidate."
The issue was swiftly addressed during the counting process, according to Meredith, who explained that the situation was rectified by completing a standard procedure known as a bundle flick – a method utilised in previous elections to ensure accuracy. "That’s the whole reason we as counting agents attend, to spot if a mistake happens," he emphasised.
However, tensions ran high during the count, with reports of shouting and accusations directed at Meredith and the Labour Party, including claims of corruption and of staff being bribed.
Meredith issued a statement clarifying the situation, wherein he acknowledged that a mistake was made by one of the counting officers during the proceedings. "You had to be there to understand fully what went on," he remarked. "A mistake was made, which was questioned by a candidate."
The issue was swiftly addressed during the counting process, according to Meredith, who explained that the situation was rectified by completing a standard procedure known as a bundle flick – a method utilised in previous elections to ensure accuracy. "That’s the whole reason we as counting agents attend, to spot if a mistake happens," he emphasised.
However, tensions ran high during the count, with reports of shouting and accusations directed at Meredith and the Labour Party, including claims of corruption and of staff being bribed.
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In response to these allegations, Meredith stated, "It was quite clear, even with the mistake, that Labour had lost the election." He went on to congratulate the winning candidate, councillor Tarrant-Short, asserting transparency and fairness throughout the process.
Meredith further stressed the overall integrity of the election, stating that representatives from other parties, including Reform, agreed that the election was conducted fairly and that no recount was necessary. "No corruption," he affirmed, urging anyone with complaints about the process to report directly to the Electoral Commission or to contact Greater Manchester Police if they believe there has been any criminal activity.
As the dust settles from the election, Meredith's statements aim to reassure residents of the democratic process's integrity while addressing the concerns that emerged during the count.
Meredith further stressed the overall integrity of the election, stating that representatives from other parties, including Reform, agreed that the election was conducted fairly and that no recount was necessary. "No corruption," he affirmed, urging anyone with complaints about the process to report directly to the Electoral Commission or to contact Greater Manchester Police if they believe there has been any criminal activity.
As the dust settles from the election, Meredith's statements aim to reassure residents of the democratic process's integrity while addressing the concerns that emerged during the count.
I know a number of people, including residents in Balderstone and Kirkholt have raised a concerns to me about the count...
Posted by Daniel Meredith on Friday 2 May 2025
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