A CONSERVATIVE candidate in May's local elections has been charged with alleged electoral fraud.

Mohammed Navid Afzal stood for the party in Great Harwood's Netherton ward in the poll for Hyndburn Borough Council.

He was arrested in May after allegations were made about his conduct in local elections held earlier this month.

It was claimed signatures on his nomination papers for May 5's poll were invalid.

Now the police have confirmed Mr Afzal has been charged with 'two counts of corrupt practice'.

It is understood the charge relates to the claim of signatures being fraudulently added his nomination form.

A police spokesman said: "A man has been charged as part of an investigation into alleged electoral fraud.

"Mohammed Navid Afzal, 39, of Whalley Road, Accrington, has been charged with two counts of corrupt practice in causing or permitting an incorrect signature to be furnished to the returning officer.

"He was released on bail to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on September 22."

Mr Afzal lost the election by 402 votes to Labour's Jodi Clements.