In the end #thanetnotrigged as Kent Police say no evidence of electoral fraud

Kent Police have rejected allegations of electoral fraud in the Thanet South seat where Ukip leader Nigel Farage failed to become an MP.

Some conspiracy theorists had claimed that the election was rigged to prevent Farage's victory.

Tory candidate Craig Mackinlay won the seat in the 7 May election, beating the Ukip leader by 2,800 votes, sparking claims that the result had been fixed.

However, Kent Police said that "initial inquiries" suggested there was "no evidence" of electoral fraud.

'There were no lost or stolen ballot papers'

Thanet District Council also said it was not under investigation for fraud.

In a statement, it said police had an obligation to follow up the complaint.

"The council's returning officer is satisfied that the correct processes were followed and a member of the Electoral Commission was present at the election in Thanet," it said.

The election result was not declared at the count at Margate's Winter Gardens until about 11:35am on Friday, hours later than expected.

Reporters were told by officials at the time the delays were caused by the sheer volume of ballot papers and problems verifying the postal vote.

Claims of suspicious behaviour appeared on social media following the delays, with a Twitter hashtag #thanetrigged launched. The rigged ballot theory gained some credence when Ukip claimed victory in the local council election, with the party taking control of the authority.

Thanet council explained that its "parliamentary boundary is larger than the district boundary - extending into the Canterbury and Dover area - so comparing the parliamentary and district election results is misleading. There were no lost or stolen ballot papers."