Malone: Lost by two votes

Police Probe Vote Rigging Allegations

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "Hampshire police can confirm that they are investigating alleged irregularities to do with the General Election at Winchester. We are making no further comment."

Mr Malone said on Tuesday night, "I was aware there were two potential cases of impersonation. Beyond that I know nothing." It is thought the investigation is into claims that a small number of people voted more than once in Winchester on May 1, first under their own name and a second time using another.

Conservative Central Office said that because of the High Court proceedings, it was not in a position to comment on the police investigation.

Oaten:Back to the polls?

A spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats said they understood that a month ago the returning officer at Winchester had had suspicions there may have been some impersonation, and had reported this to the police. She stressed the concerns about impersonation had nothing to do with the unresolved High Court case, which centres on the void papers issue.

On May 1, Mr Malone polled 26,098 votes and Mr Oaten 26,100 in a result which was declared after two recounts and 19 hours after the polling stations closed. Should the High Court rule in Mr Malone's favour, Winchester voters could face a rerun of the poll, possibly in the autumn, which would represent an early test of new Tory leader William Hague's ability to win back territory lost at the General Election.