🧵 1. Speculation arises over UK's general election as Reform UK candidate Mark Matlock triggers rumors of fake candidates with digitally altered photo. #politics
🧵 1. Speculation arises over UK's general election as Reform UK candidate Mark Matlock triggers rumors of fake candidates with digitally altered photo. #politics
🧵 2. Despite claims, there's no concrete evidence that Reform fielded fake candidates. Matlock's identity confirmed by various news outlets and he addressed the speculation on GB News.
🧵 3. Matlock explained absence at vote count due to pneumonia, and altered photo to change outfit. Reform party recruited candidates, some did little campaigning.
🧵 4. "Paper candidates" who exist on ballot but do not actively campaign are common in UK elections. Parties receive incentives for fielding candidates in each constituency.
🧵 5. In recent election, AI candidate "AI Steve" ran in Brighton Pavilion with a minimal vote count. Creator aims to increase democracy by offering more choices to voters.
🧵 Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/07/16/did-parties-field-fake-candidates-in-the-uk-general-election