- Why are there so few electoral fraud prosecutions in London?
- Why were there no criminal convictions following the electoral fraud in the 2014 Tower Hamlets Mayoral election?
During 2015, there were 481 recorded cases of electoral fraud across the UK: 111 of these related to London, but no individuals were charged.
In the run up to the 2014 Tower Hamlets Mayoral election, 164 allegations of electoral fraud were made. Following a petition alleging corrupt practices, the civil court ruled that there had been a variety of corrupt and illegal practices and the election was made void. But no criminal prosecutions followed.
The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will tomorrow investigate the difficulties involved in tackling election fraud and malpractice in London. The meeting will focus on how the police can secure the necessary evidence to proceed to prosecution, and the role that MOPAC has in ensuring the Met is effectively tackling this issue.
Part One: Tackling allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice
- Commander Stuart Cundy, Special Enquiry Team (SET), Metropolitan Police
- Robin Merrett, Head of Operational Oversight, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)
- Claire Basset, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission
- Nick Vamos, Head of Special Crime, Crown Prosecution Service
Part Two: Case study - the 2014 Tower Hamlets Mayoral election
- Sir Ken Knight CBE QFSM, Tower Hamlets Commissioner, Tower Hamlets Council
- Mayor John Biggs, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets
- Councillor Peter Golds CBE, Tower Hamlets Council
- Francis Hoar, Barrister, Field Court Chambers
It is not the role of the Committee to investigate specific cases and/or allegations but it does scrutinise the policies and procedures under which such matters are, or are not, investigated.
The meeting will take place on Thursday 9 February from 10.00am in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Follow us @LondonAssembly and take part in the meeting discussion using #AssemblyPolice
Notes to editors
- Full Agenda papers.
- Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.