THE mayoral election in Middlesbrough will not be rerun as no allegations of malpractice were lodged before a set deadline.

In a hotly contested campaign, businessman and philanthropist Andy Preston was criticised in a letter to The Northern Echo by fellow Independent contenders, Dave Roberts, Len Junier and Michael Carr.

They alleged that he had misled voters by putting his parents' address in Acklam, Middlesbrough, down on his nomination form instead of his own home in South Otterington, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

At the time Mr Preston said that any suggestion he had acted improperly were based on ‘ridiculous’ and ‘purile’ allegations.

Authorities were powerless to stop the election held last month and former deputy mayor, Dave Budd (Labour) was announced as the man to replace Ray Mallon on Friday, May 8.

Anyone claiming malpractice could petition Middlesbrough Council’s returning officer up to 21 days after the election result was declared and have it referred to the High Court in London where a judge will decide its validity.

However, a spokesman for Middlesbrough Council has confirmed that no allegations had been made. "I understand we haven’t had any notification of a petition against the election,” he said."