Election fraud row hits Parliament after Nick Brown's concerns

Jan 15 2010 by William Green, The Journal

A ROW about election fraud triggered by Regional Minister Nick Brown over a move away from general election night counts has exploded in Parliament.

The Journal exclusively revealed earlier this week Mr Brown’s fears about the potential for electoral fraud as many councils switch counts to the day after polls close.

Mr Brown’s comments carry extra weight because he is also the Government’s chief whip and were yesterday raised in the House of Commons.

Tory frontbench spokesman Sir George Younger said: “No less a figure than the Government Chief Whip told his local paper that delaying the count would increase the risk of electoral fraud.

“So is there any doubt that a Thursday night count is the right thing to do?”

The Shadow Commons Leader called for a Government statement with senior figures expressing concern about the impact of counting on the day after polls shut.

In response, Commons Speaker Harriet Harman backed Nick Brown in backing election night counts. Ms Harman, who is deputy leader of the Labour Party, said she had two concerns about the issue.