A UKIP parliamentary candidate faces police questioning after allegations that he attempted to infuelnce voters by giving away sausage rolls at a party event.
Kim Rose, UKIP candidate for Southampton Itchen, said that he has been told to report to police over allegations of “treating”, or corruptly trying to influence voters.
Under Electoral Commission rules:
“A person is guilty of treating if either before, during or after an election they directly or indirectly give or provide any food, drink, entertainment or provision to corruptly influence any voter to vote or refrain from voting.”
However, the act of “treating” does require a corrupt intent, and the rule “does not apply to ordinary hospitality”.
The incident refers to an event Rose held on 21 February at a community centre in Weston, where he invited snooker star Jimmy White to play pool with young people from the local community. Attendees were charged £2 for the event, and were provided with tea, sandwiches, and sausage rolls.
Rose told the BBC:
“It was a fantastic day. We laid on teas, coffees, sandwiches and some sausage rolls. Now I’ve been reported for allegations of treating.
“Maybe it’s a bit naïve but all the intentions were good.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m sure people aren’t going to change their mind [over voting]for a sausage roll.”
