Thousands turned away at polling stations in Greater Manchester due to voter ID rules

Thousands of voters across Greater Manchester were turned away from polling stations because of the new ID requirements at the local elections earlier this month.

The new rule requiring that people voting at polling stations present an accepted form of photo identification - such as a driving licence or passport - came into force for the first time in all local elections across England on May 4. The government says the measure was put in place to prevent voter fraud.

However, critics warned that the move would stop some people voting. Among them was Manchester councillor Pat Karney who pulled a series of bizarre stunts to promote the new policy after describing it as a 'democratic disaster'.

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All of the seats in six Greater Manchester councils were up for grabs at the local elections this year, and some saw tight contests won by the narrowest of margins – including a tie in Tameside which was decided by drawing lots. Now, the number of voters who were turned away for this reason can be revealed.

A total of 3,881 people were turned away at polling stations across nine of the 10 Greater Manchester councils which have shared the verified data so far. Of these, voters 2,478 returned later with an accepted ID and were able to vote.

However, 1,403 people were not issued with a ballot paper by 10pm – either because they did not return or when they did, they did not have the right ID. Manchester saw the largest number of voters turned away in the city-region.

In total, 1,649 people were turned away at polling stations. And although 1,060 of them were able to vote when they returned with the right ID, 589 did not.

Manchester council leader Bev Craig said: "The