A benefit cheat who lied about a conviction when he ran as a Conservative councillor has been jailed for six months.

Michael Jefferson Fadaka, of Bedale Road, Enfield, stood as a Conservative candidate for Enfield Lock in May 2014 but police received a tip off that he had made false declarations on his nomination form.

Police found he had failed to declare a suspended prison sentence for wrongly claiming benefits in 2011, after he claimed thousands in housing benefits and income support whilst studying for a law degree.

Detective Inspector Howard Holt, of the special enquiry team, said: "Trust in the electoral process is paramount in a democratic society and when this system is undermined by an individual's misconduct that trust is diminished. I would urge anyone considering election to any public office to fully familiarise themselves with the rules around qualifications for nomination.

"In the run up to the general elections we will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission and local authorities across London in a pro-active and preventative capacity to protect the integrity of the electoral process in London.”