Graham Harry Moore v Sarah Joanne Pochin MP & Anor

Graham Harry Moore v Sarah Joanne Pochin MP & Anor

The election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections, with no act or omission by the Returning Officer or others affecting the result. The count and recount were properly conducted, and the petitioner's allegations of fraud, error, and procedural irregularity were not substantiated. Issues relating to Royal Mail and Cheshire Constabulary do not constitute valid grounds for voiding the election. The petition is dismissed, and costs are awarded to the respondents.

Parties
Petitioner: Graham Harry Moore; First Respondent: Sarah Joanne Pochin MP; Second Respondent: Stephen Young
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Election Petition / Final Judgment
Outcome
petition dismissed
Legal Topics
Parliamentary Election Challenge, Vote Counting Procedures, Statutory Compliance, Costs in Election Petitions
Election Law Constitutional Law Civil Procedure Parliamentary Election Challenge Vote Counting Procedures Statutory Compliance Costs in Election Petitions

Case Brief

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Parties

Graham Harry Moore

Petitioner

Sarah Joanne Pochin MP

First Respondent

Stephen Young

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Election Petition / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the parliamentary by-election for Runcorn and Helsby was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections
  2. 2 Whether any act or omission by the Returning Officer or others affected the result
  3. 3 Whether the count and recount were fraudulent or erroneous

Ratio Decidendi

The election was conducted substantially in accordance with the law as to elections, with no act or omission by the Returning Officer or others affecting the result. The count and recount were properly conducted, and the petitioner's allegations of fraud, error, and procedural irregularity were not substantiated. Issues relating to Royal Mail and Cheshire Constabulary do not constitute valid grounds for voiding the election. The petition is dismissed, and costs are awarded to the respondents.

Court Disposition

petition dismissed

Orders

  • Petition dismissed
  • First Respondent was duly returned and elected