Minister keeping close watch on town

A GOVERNMENT minister is keeping a close watch on Warrington following the irregularities discovered after last year’s local elections, an MP has claimed.
Warrington North MP Helen Jones (pictured) says Warrington is “in the spotlight” over the elections.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Michael Wills has told the MP: “It is important that action is taken to ensure that the difficulties
that arose in Warrington do not happen again.”
He said he would be continuing to take a close interest in the position at Warrington, Ms Jones claimed.
There were a number of complaints about the handling of the borough and parish council elections at Warrington last May – particularly that some candidates were not given the opportunity of a recount.
One councillor, Ian Johnson, at Bruche, has resigned his seat after learning a rival, Peter Edwards, was the rightful winner. This could result in a by-election.
A candidate at Stockton Heath was denied a recount even though he lost by only three votes.
Returning Officer Diana Terris called in John Turner, chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators and his five-month investigation revealed a number shortcomings.
Ms Jones raised the issue with the Minister who in turn raised it with the Electoral Commission, asking them to look at ways weaknesses identified in Warrington could be remedied.
The MP said: “I was very concerned at the way the council and the Returning Officer dealt with Mr Turner’s report, and particularly at their
rejection of a proposal that the matter should return to full
council, following consideration by the relevant scrutiny committee.
“We have to be clear that the failures in Warrington are a very
serious matter. The right to vote and the right to see votes
counted are fundamental.”
She claimed the Minister had said the Government would consider legislation if matters were not put right.
Ms Jones added: “Warrington Borough Council and the Returning Officer should now be in no doubt that the spotlight is on them and they must take action.”
Mrs Terris has already apologised for mistakes made in the running of the elections.
She has also pledged that every one of Mr Turner’s recommendations would be acted on and that all staff would undergo thorough training in line with them.
She has sent copies of his report to the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Justice in case they can identify further action that could be taken.