Efforts to keep elections fair and clear of fraud in Kirklees are “over and above” what is required, Kirklees’ returning officer says.

The officer, who oversees all local elections, is the council’s chief executive Adrian Lythgo and he has responded to a pledge request concerning the conduct of local elections.

The Tories want all parties, Mr Lythgo and West Yorkshire Police to sign a pledge they’ve written to keep the local elections free and fair.

Mr Lythgo said: “As Returning Officer I take my responsibilities for the conduct of elections seriously. As the Electoral Commission have highlighted so clearly, allegations of electoral fraud can undermine confidence in the electoral system as much as proven cases of fraud.

“Both myself and our elections team will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that elections in Kirklees are free and fair.

“That work to uphold the integrity of elections happens throughout the year and not just in the run up to voting.”

The Tories issued their pledge call after three people were cautioned by police after an investigation into voting irregularities in the Dewsbury South ward in 2012.

Mr Lythgo added: “Since the 2012 elections and allegations made at the time in relation to electoral integrity I have, as Returning Officer, commissioned a range of activities to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of each individual’s responsibility with regards to their vote.

Kirklees Council Chief Executive Adrian Lythgo
Kirklees Council Chief Executive Adrian Lythgo

“Over the last two years I have also worked closely with all political and non-political party leaders to develop a local code of conduct where all candidates and agents could help to ensure that elections are conducted freely and fairly and to increase confidence that each elector has cast their own vote.

“This is over and above the requirements of the current Electoral Commission Code.

“I have also worked alongside the Electoral Commission, and will continue to do so, to strengthen their own code of conduct for political parties.

“The elections team have robust systems in place to detect and investigate matters relating to integrity and have well established joint working practices with appropriate police officers.”

“However, I must stress that in my time, I have not been presented with evidence of widespread electoral fraud.”

He said that, in his view, candidates, agents and political parties understand their responsibilities for the fair conduct of elections.

Anyone with concerns about potential electoral fraud can report their worries to the elections office in Kirklees Council on 01484 221650.

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