A COUNCIL worker has been suspended over allegations of electoral fraud which may have affected dozens of homes across the borough.

Problems with forms for around 100 homes in Hampstead Garden Suburb were discovered during routine checks by electoral services staff following door-to-door canvassing in January.

It is believed the worker is accused of forging details for homeowners who had not previously registered, rather than visiting them to ensure their details were correct.

Over the past week people affected by the fraud have been contacted to inform them of the problem.

A statement from the council said it “treats the integrity of the electoral process in the borough with the utmost seriousness”.

It added: “We are not aware of any such irregularities having occurred in the past but we will obviously be checking through the work previously undertaken by this staff member.

“We would also like to emphasise that this appears to be an isolated incident and that we value highly the work of the overwhelming majority of staff who go out in all weathers to make door-to-door calls to ensure that our residents do not miss out on the opportunity to vote.

“These staff carry out their responsibilities diligently and with the utmost integrity.”

Council officials are now carrying out a full investigation which could lead to criminal charges.