Twittering MP escapes with caution
26 October 2010
Kerry McCarthy, Labour MP for Bristol East, has escaped prosecution for alleged electoral fraud.
McCarthy has been cautioned by the police after tweeting the results of some postal votes in her constituency before the General Election. It is against the law to reveal votes before elections in case it influences the result.
The oversharing politician showed off to her fellow Twits that postal votes seen by her and her agent showed Labour support was stronger than that for the Lib Dems or Tories. And provided numbers of votes to prove it. The message received dozens of replies pointing out the illegality of her action.
She later apologised for what she described as her thoughtless action. She said she thought because the information was not official she was allowed to publish it.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police told the BBC: "Police have confirmed that they have cautioned a man and a woman, both from Bristol, following an investigation into alleged election fraud earlier this year under the Representation of the People Act 1983."
Oddly McCarthy's Twitter feed this morning makes no mention of the caution.
Source: The Register
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