AN ELECTION candidate will be allowed to stand to become a councillor despite a police investigation into "irregularities" in her nomination papers.

Lucy Parkin has been selected as Ukip's candidate for Canvey Winter Gardens in next week's Castle Point Council elections.

But Rupert Duke, 51, of Castle View Road, Canvey, was shocked to discover he was listed on official papers as one of the ten people who had nominated Ms Parkin.

Ukip claims the mishap is due to an administration error, but Mr Duke, a Hadleigh businessman, informed police after suspecting fraud.

Mr Duke said: "It definitely wasn’t me, I’m not even a Ukip supporter.

"This is an insult to my intelligence and an insult to democracy.

"It’s unbelievably cheeky that they’ve used my identification and signature, it just isn’t on.

"I was told by someone who saw my name on the form by chance, and it was very surprising.

"The police sent a detective down who took a statement, so now it’s in the hands of the law."

James Parkin, Ukip electoral agent for the borough, who is himself standing in the election in Benfleet's Appleby ward, denied any suggestion of fraud.

He said: "I deeply regret this mistake which may result in a superb candidate being unable to take office as a councillor.

“Unfortunately there was an administrative error and one signature was accidentally matched to an incorrect address.

"I have discussed this mistake with the various authorities who accept that this was a genuine error.

"I understand they will write to me giving advice for future elections.

"I accept full responsibility as agent, the candidate was not involved.

"I have apologised to Mr Duke who’s address was incorrectly put on the nomination form."

Electoral fraud can be treated as a criminal offence and Essex Police has confirmed it is reviewing the allegation.

A force spokesman said: "Essex Police is reviewing an allegation relating to irregularities in a candidate’s nomination papers for the Castle Point Council election to be held on Thursday, May 5.

"The purpose of the review is to establish if any criminal act has occurred."

Despite the alleged error, Castle Point Council has confirmed Ms Parkin will not be barred from standing in next week's election, as her nomination had already been accepted.

A council spokesman said: "So far as the returning officer is concerned the nomination was accepted as valid so the candidate is correctly shown on the ballot paper for the poll."

Ms Parkin is one of four candidates standing in Winter Gardens.

Raymond Cattermole (Conservative), Maggie McArthur-Curtis (Labour) and Allan Taylor (Canvey Independent Party) will also contest the election.

Across Castle Point, elections will take place to select councillors in 13 wards.