Action taken following independent report into General Election voting problems in Newcastle-under-Lyme

An independent report has found there were serious administrative failures in Newcastle-under-Lyme during the 2017 General Election.

Andrew Scallen of the Association of Electoral Administrators said 500 postal voters were not sent their postal vote and almost 1000 potential electors were not included in the election register. Two people not entitled to vote, did vote.

Two council officers, the Acting Returning Officer and Head of Audit and Elections, have been suspended. A small number of election staff from Stoke-on-Trent City Council have also been drafted in to help administer two by-elections taking place in December and the Borough Council's first all-out elections in May 2018.

Chris Mountford spoke to the council leader, Cllr Elizabeth Shenton.

(First broadcast on 29 November 2017 on Cross Rhythms City Radio 101.8FM)

www.crossrhythms.co.uk/listen https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/news/independent-report-issues-faced-voters-newcastle-under-lyme-8-june-general-election