The Conservative Party has delayed sending out ballot papers for its leadership election over security concerns.
The Daily Telegraph reported changes have been made to the process on the advice of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) following warnings that hackers could change people’s votes. Under the party’s original system, members would be able to vote but have the option to change their decision while the ballot remained open.
Now a unique code will be provided which will only allow one vote which cannot be changed, according to the Telegraph. The ballots had been due to be sent out from Monday (1 August) but could now arrive as late as Thursday 11 August.
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North West Durham MP Richard Holden, who is supporting Rishi Sunak, told BBC Newsnight: “I’ve heard they’re delayed. I think there’s some minor security issue which has been dealt with but it won’t delay the result of the poll which is a crucial thing for everybody.”
An NCSC spokesperson said: “Defending UK democratic and electoral processes is a priority and we work closely with all parliamentary political parties, local authorities and MPs to provide cyber security guidance and support. As you would expect from the UK’s national cyber security authority, we provided advice to the Conservative Party on security considerations for online leadership voting.”
The Daily Telegraph said it understood there was no specific threat and concerns were around the vulnerability of the voting process. The PA news agency has contacted the Conservative Party for comment.
Around 180,000 Tory Party members have a month to vote for their next leader and Prime Minister. The winner is set to be announced on 5 September and appointed the following day.
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