BNP man accused of vote buying

Jo Winrow | Friday, 9 June 2006 Source: Bradford Telegraph & Argus

A British National Party councillor is being investigated by police over claims he bought votes by paying for an old folks' Christmas party.

Paul Cromie was elected to represent the Queensbury ward at last month's Council elections.

But he has been reported to Bradford Council over allegations he gave £100 to residents at the Goodwin House sheltered housing complex in exchange for their votes.

Today Coun Cromie, 53, refuted the allegations of "votes for treats", saying he had never made donations to the complex.

He said: "I used to support the handicapped club in Queensbury and give them donations, but I stopped that in 1990 over politics.

"I fully expected something like this to happen. I whipped the Tories out here in Queensbury turning it from a 145 deficit to 300 in front."

Coun Cromie previously stood in Queensbury in 2004's local elections and as a parliamentary candidate for Bradford West in last year's General Election.

The married grandfather-of-three is a retired local businessman and was chairman of Bradford BNP.

In last month's Council elections he defeated sitting Conservative Councillor Tracey McNulty by nearly 300 votes.

Her supporters have complained they were turned away from the sheltered housing complex during canvassing.

Queensbury Conservative Councillor Stuart Hanson said: "They had gone up there delivering leaflets for Tracey and were stopped in the entrance by residents saying they were voting BNP this time.

"We've never had that reaction before at that old people's complex."

But it was not until after the election - and Paul Cromie's success - that Coun Hanson said he learned of the £100 donation to pay for drinks at the Christmas party.

Salman Mather, head of democratic services at Bradford Council, confirmed the complaint had been passed to the police.

Of the rules governing treating he said there was no definitive answer governing when an election campaign begins. Treating is defined as providing food, drink or entertainment before, during or after an election to influence a voter.

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed officers have received a complaint which was being investigated.