Poll positions
Labour candidate selection , Issue 1621 AS INSPECTOR Knacker's cybercrime unit investigates the role of the controversial Anonyvoter remote polling system in the selection process to choose Labour's candidate in the Croydon East constituency (Eye 1620), more unwelcome news has landed in the in-tray of party general secretary David Evans.

In October 2022, Labour MP Sam Tarry, a former shadow minister and ex-partner of deputy leader Angela Rayner, was deselected for the Ilford South constituency, with members voting 499 to 361 to select Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge council.

Tarry is threatening to seek an injunction blocking Athwal from standing as the official Labour party candidate unless alleged voting irregularities are investigated by the party. Although Tarry received 57 percent of the in-person vote at the selection, he received just 35 percent via Anonyvoter.

Shifting opinions
A subsequent investigation by allies of Tarry raised further questions about the selection. A comparison of the addresses of those who voted against addresses on the electoral register revealed many irregularities.

A significant number of party members were not listed on the electoral register at the addresses on the party's membership list provided to Tarry. Some of the properties were rental properties, some in multiple occupation, owned by Redbridge councillors, including close colleagues of Athwal.

When Tarry and supporters knocked on the doors of the addresses in question, they were frequently met with the response that the members listed had moved out and had their post collected by other people.

Rigging rigour
Tarry is threatening legal action if Labour fails to release the Anonyvoter records. He wants a full investigation into alleged ID fraud and what the former shadow minister has called "vote-rigging".

Meanwhile the Eye asked the London Labour party to confirm or deny that the interim chair of Croydon East constituency Labour party, Carole Bonner, has been suspended by the party in connection with the investigation into alleged improper use of personal data re the parliamentary selection process. Answer came there none.