An electoral malpractice inquiry has been launched by police after claims a Reform UK candidate gave away ice creams to voters near a polling station.

Leicestershire Police said its probe was looking into whether so-called 'treating' – providing food, drink or entertainment to influence voters – took place in May.

The ice cream van is reportedly owned by the family of ex-Leicestershire County Council deputy leader Joseph Boam.

Mr Boam was removed from the post by his party in August - three months after being elected as a councillor.

News of the inquiry has prompted calls from the leader of Leicestershire’s Conservative group for Mr Boam to be suspended immediately by his local party, pending the outcome of the police probe.

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