Legal challenge over election dead heat thrown out

Elizabeth Williams of Reform UK now faces a £19,000 legal bill

A Reform candidate in Worcestershire who petitioned the High Court to strike off what she claimed was a "fraudulent" result in this year's county council elections has lost her case.

Back in May a rare dead heat saw Elizabeth Williams and Green candidate Hannah Robson tied on 899 votes each.

The winning candidate for the Littletons division was selected after two folded pieces of paper - with each candidate's name - were placed in a ballot box, with one drawn at random.

Williams had contested the result, arguing the process breached electoral law and was open to fraud, but the High Court has struck it out on a technicality.

The dead heat between Elizabeth Williams of Reform UK (centre) and Hannah Robson of the Greens (on the right) was decided by drawing lots

Anyone who alleges electoral fraud has to submit a claim to the High Court within 22 days of polling day, with Ms Williams missing the cut-off by 24 hours.

Ms Williams was arguing that she had not been allowed time at the 1 May count to seek independent legal advice and was not able to witness the entire process before a name was pulled from the box.

She also claimed people were breaching electoral law by filming the moment - and that Green Party activists were "campaigning" outside polling stations on polling day, a claim the party has strongly refuted.

But after losing the case, she now faces a £19,000 legal bill - something she has called "ruinous".

"I respect the law, but that does not mean I believe it is fit for purpose," she said.

"I did nothing wrong. I did this to advocate for all voters' rights in the UK - it only failed at this point on a technicality."

She added that she was considering taking the matter further - potentially to the European Court of Human Rights.

She said: "I do regret the impact this will have on me and my family, but do I regret standing up for what is right? No, I don't. I acted in good faith."

Green Councillor Hannah Robson now represents the Littletons

'False claims'

Wychavon District Council staged the count on behalf of the county council and say the outcome has saved taxpayers' money.

A spokesman said: "We were more than prepared to challenge this petition at trial, as it is totally without foundation, being based on a mixture of false claims and distorted truths.

"That's why we opposed the petition on technical grounds to bring this matter to a swift conclusion and minimise the risk of a hefty financial burden on the taxpayer."

Councillor Robson, who represents the Littletons, said: "I'm relieved this matter has now been brought to a close.

"I'm grateful to my legal team and to everyone who supported me through this process.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to work hard for our community and focusing on the issues that really matter, from protecting local services to tackling the climate crisis."

May's elections saw Worcestershire County Council slip into no overall control, with Reform now in control as the largest party.