A PROSPECTIVE candidate has been cleared to stand in this year's local elections after being arrested on suspicion of assault.

Shahbaz Arif, who is expected to stand as a Conservative candidate in Redvales in May's Bury Council election, was arrested at his home on March 20.

His wife has moved to put the record straight, stating that "there was no assault."

Afsheen Mahmood said: "I have been married for nine years. We have four children.

"We have never had anything like this before.

"People are targeting my husband on purpose. It is the opposition party that is doing this.

"There was no assault. I had a heavy anxiety attack. This is why my husband was released."

Police were called to East Street, Bury, shortly after 3pm on March 20, following what was described as a "large commotion."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of assault.

It is understood they are taking no further action. The Bury Times has contacted Greater Manchester Police.

When contacted by the Bury Times, Mr Arif declined to comment.

The Conservative group declined to comment.

People hoping to stand as a candidate in this year's local elections have until 4pm on Wednesday, April 3 to register their nomination with the electoral services at Bury Council.

Under The Local Elections Rules 2018, a person is disqualified from standing for election, if at the time of their nomination or on polling day, they are employed by the local authority, hold a politically restricted post, are subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order, are the mayor for the combined authority that the local authority is a part of, have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more in the five years before polling day, or have been disqualified under the Representation of the People Act 1983.