PENDLE, UK — Mohammad Aslam, 65, a Pendle Councillor and current Mayor of Pendle, was arrested over the weekend by Lancashire Police.
It is understood that Aslam, who represents Bradley ward on Pendle Council and is running for the Nelson East seat in the Lancashire County Council elections, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and undue influence in an election.
The arrest follows reports of threatening behavior in the Nelson area. A police spokesperson confirmed that the arrest was related to allegations of making threats against a campaigner for his opposition. Aslam is said to have been involved in attempting to unduly influence the upcoming election.
Aslam, a member of the Conservative Party, is attempting to unseat Azhar Ali, an independent candidate who was previously a Labour councillor. The Nelson East seat is also being contested by Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform UK, and UKIP.
The arrest came just before the Lancashire County Council elections, which took place on May 1, with voters heading to the polls to cast their votes.
A police spokesperson stated: “We can confirm we received reports of threatening behaviour in the Nelson area over the weekend. A 65-year-old man from Nelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, undue influence in an election, and section five of the Public Order Act. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.”
Cllr Aslam has been approached for comment but has not yet publicly responded.
