UKIP has confirmed it is investigating allegations about how the party handled its general election selection process for St Helens North – but has backed its candidate ahead of next week’s vote.

The probe follows a complaint by Peter Peers who was outvoted by 14 votes to 12 in a St Helens Ukip ballot in February.

The Star was alerted a complaint had been made to Ukip by Mr Peers and two party members that correct processes had not been followed in the ballot. 

It is alleged six voters who took part in the selection were ineligible to vote. 

The Ukip constitution requires members to have joined the party at least 28 days beforehand.

“There were six people who I didn’t think were members. I questioned it and was told they were quite happy everyone’s entitled to vote,” said Peter Peers.

Mr Peers, a former chairman of the Ukip St Helens branch, alleges five of the voters were only confirmed as members of the party days before the ballot and one four days after the vote. 

He claims complaints about the process and calls for another ballot were ignored. 

Mr Peers has since resigned from the party and will now contest the Billinge and Seneley Green ward in the local elections as an independent. 

Ukip confirmed an investigation into the matter was taking place but gave their full backing to Mr Smith.

A party spokesman said: “Ian Smith has been confirmed as the chosen candidate for St Helens North and he has our full confidence as the right man to represent the people of that constituency. 

“What matters is not personal ambition, but the ability to put first-class Ukip MPs into parliament to represent the views of millions of people who have been ignored by the old political establishment.” 

When the Star contacted Ukip St Helens a spokesperson for the party added: “This is an internal party matter that has no bearing on the positive policies Ukip is offering voters.”

There is no suggestion Mr Smith has acted improperly.