Allegations of Possible Treating by Prospective Candidates.

The email dated 27/03/07 from Mr Ray Morgan the Chief Executive of Woking Borough Council

Dear Mr Osman

As explained to you I wrote to all political party representatives identified to me; I have not checked the ethnicity of the persons identified to me.  The purpose of writing was to draw to the attention of identified party agents that I had received allegations of treating and to seek all party support for taking care to avoid the risk of further allegations of treating.

The cultural customs to which I referred were not directed at you or in respect of you.  It was recognition by me that the custom in the Muslim community is one of hospitality and I sought only to draw attention to the fact that sometimes, particularly during election periods, candidates should carefully consider how hospitality might be capable of being interpreted by others as treating.

During a recent meeting at the Shah Jehan Mosque I made this point quite openly in representations to the Minister, Bridget Prentice M.P, where I argued that the Government should give consideration to the part of the legislative framework re treating so as to take account of different cultural customs within communities; until it does I have to have regard to the current electoral law.

My letter does not accuse anyone of being guilty; it simply seeks the cooperation of the political parties to minimise the risk of treating. I expressly stated that I was not accusing prospective candidates.  The steps I have taken to address the risk of fraud in the election process are extensive and have been publicly reported to the Council.

I made clear in my earlier email to you that there have been no allegations about you.  I have also made clear that you cannot have the details of the allegations because they may form part of future Police investigations should further similar allegations arise.

In my capacity as Returning Officer I will continue to treat the U.K. Community Issues Party equally to all others.

The Memorandum of Understanding which is being sent to you for signature sets out the arrangements with Surrey Police.  The meeting on 4 April, to which you have been invited, will receive a briefing from me on the electoral arrangements.

Regards

Ray Morgan

Chief Executive