MP Faisal Rashid has apologised over a tweet which critics suggested was encouraging voters to vote more than once.
The tweet, which was later deleted, read “vote early, vote often, vote Labour” with some critics suggesting it was encouraging election fraud.
The tweet was posted while many council elections were taking place across the country- although none were taking place in Warrington.
In a statement the Labour MP for Warrington South said: “Earlier today, a member of my staff issued a tweet on my behalf. The tweet was intended to draw attention to the fact that in many places across the country people are going to the polls in the local elections, and to encourage people to be more politically engaged. It was not to encourage electors to vote more than once in the election.
“To be clear, there are no local elections taking place in Warrington today.
“I apologise for any misunderstanding the tweet may have caused, however I would like to make it clear that the tweet was in no way intended to encourage members of the public to carry out electoral fraud. As soon as this confusion was brought to my attention, I removed the tweet. I, of course, completely and unequivocally condemn any attempt to do so.
“I am concerned that this tweet is being deliberately misinterpreted by some on the day of the local elections; however, in future, I will strive to ensure that all messaging from my office is clearer.”
