Police probe Mansfield mayoral election spending

Independent Kate Allsop said her campaign spending was well within the maximum amount allowed

An investigation has been launched by police into a mayoral election campaign in Mansfield.

Nottinghamshire Police said it was looking into alleged "financial irregularities" in the May election, which was won by Kate Allsop.

Bev Smith, interim chief executive at Mansfield District Council, said the authority was aware of the ongoing police investigation.

Independent Kate Allsop beat Labour's Martin Lee on second preference votes.

Candidates are allowed to spend a maximum of £6,969.72, with all spending declared.

The Mansfield Chad reported that a complaint was put to police alleging Mrs Allsop's campaign cost more than legally permitted.

It said police had requested documents relating to adverts placed in the newspaper in the weeks before the election.

In a statement, Mrs Allsop said: "I'm aware of an investigation and once that has been concluded, if there any questions put to me I will answer them at that point.

"I will say that I am not surprised that someone has asked for an investigation since in the past losing mayoral candidates have done so, and presumably it is one of the losing candidates in May that has been the driving force behind this story."

Mrs Allsop said her campaign cost a total of £5731.32.