May 2012 Election in Maybury and Sheerwater Ward Declared Invalid by Election Commissioner

In a Judgement made by the Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey QC on 29th July 2013, it was stated that in the election in Maybury and Sheerwater Ward which took place on 3rd May 2012 that "corrupt and illegal practices" had occurred and that the election of Mohammed Bashir, the Liberal Democrat candidate was invalid.

The Woking Liberal Democrats are appalled that illegal practices were used in Maybury and Sheerwater during the 2012 elections to Woking Borough Council.

The party deeply regrets that one of its candidates, former councillor, Mohammed Bashir, was involved in corrupt and illegal practices which led to the election result being overturned.

Following this judgement, the Liberal Democrats immediately suspended Mohammed Bashir from membership of the party, pending an investigation. Electoral fraud is a very serious matter and all appropriate action will be taken.

The Liberal Democrats fully accept the judgement of Mr Mawrey and agrees that urgent action is needed to reform the UK's flawed electoral system.