WARRINGTON Borough Council leader Cllr. Russ Bowden has been charged in connection with allegations of electoral malpractice.
Earlier this year, Cheshire Constabulary received information relating to the Warrington local council elections 2021.
Detectives launched an investigation into the matter and, following advice received from the CPS, a number of charges have now been authorised.
Russell Bowden has been charged with one count of providing a false statement in nomination papers (contrary to Section 65A of the Representation of the People Act 1983) and three counts of providing false information to a registration officer (contrary to section 13D of the Representation of the People Act 1983).
He is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Friday 31 December 2021.
Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Bowden are live and that he has a right to a fair trial.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of the investigation and charges. As this is an ongoing matter we will not be commenting further.”
3 Comments
How awful for the town to be mired by this ? Is this the end of the city bid ? We all knew he was living in Latchford but representing Birchwood ? I presume that’s the issue ? But hang on .. his mate the returning officer surely must have known as well ?? Hmmmm who was the returning officer ? …
I hold no brief for either individual, but as with everyone else should we not first wait to hear the evidence and await the outcome the trial before before reaching a conclusion?
Now this has gone to liverpool crown court shouldn’t councillor bowden do the right thing and stand down ? He has no track record for doing the right thing but there’s always a first time . Ps I guess the returning officer will ve in the frame as well ??