THE law on proxy votes had already been tightened before two corrupt councillors were jailed for election fraud, claims the government.

Liberal Democrats Manzur Hussain, 58, of Milner Street, Burnley and Mozaquir Ali, 44, of Brougham Street, Burnley were jailed for 18 months for falsifying proxy votes in the 2004 Burnley Council elections.

They have lost their seats in Daneshouse and Stoneyholme ward.

The case led judge Andrew Gilbart QC to call for the government to tighten a loophole the pair exploited.

He also criticised Burnley Council's conduct of the 2004 local government elections, describing drafting of forms as "sloppy", though he said that had nothing to do with the pair's dishonesty.

The loophole, he said, was that the law did not require applicants for a proxy vote to complete the form themselves.

"I encourage the Electoral Commission and the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs to give some thought as to how, if proxy voting is to remain in existence, that loophole may be closed in a way which is fai," said the judge."

A spokesman for the Electoral Commission commented: "We are pleased with the recent Elections Administration Act.

"Starting with the elections in May, proxy voters will have to fill in more details such as a date of birth and they disclose the relationship between the applicant and proxy.

"Rules will be tightened and rules regarding proxy voting will be the same as postal voting."

A spokesman for the Department for Constitutional Affairs said the Electoral Administration Act would help to deter a person applying for a proxy vote on behalf of some else.

Nick Aves, returning officer for Burnley Council, said: "The outcome of the trial reinforces the fact we had justifiable concerns highlighted through our rigorous election procedures and diligence of election staff.

"Burnley Council is committed to ensuring the democratic process is carried out correctly and not abused."