Northamptonshire could become a “national laughing stock” with the police commissioner election decided in the courts, a candidate has warned.
Yesterday, the Labour Party withdrew its support for its candidate in the race to become Police and Crime Commissioner, Lee Barron, after it emerged he was arrested in 1990.
The decision comes after the deadline has already passed, however.
It means Mr Barron’s name is likely to remain on the ballot paper with the electorate able to vote for him, even though he is banned from taking the job.
The Labour Party will not be able to replace him.
Liberal Democrat hopeful Paul Varnsverry said the prospect posed a real threat to democracy.
He said: “If this election continues with Lee Barron’s name on the ballot paper then people may still vote for him.
“He may even end up in the final two candidates if there is no overall winner and go through to the second round, under this electoral system.
“Then we will have someone taking part in the process who cannot take the office.
“It is a surreal and bizarre set of circumstances which could potentially make Northamptonshire a laughing stock.
“I think this is tragic for Lee and I think it could be tragic for democracy.”
Mr Varnsverry called for a “decisive” solution to the issue.
He added: “We really do not want this election to be decided in the courts. We want it to be decided at the ballot box.”
Mr Varnsverry also dismissed allegations his financial situation could prevent him from taking the office, if elected.
He confirmed that despite currently being under the terms of an IVA - which is due to expire in January - there was no reason to prevent him from taking the job.
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