Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has today issued its final report into its investigation into Operation Lynemouth, the Met Police probe of the 2014 Mayoral election in Tower Hamlets.
In response, Chairman of the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee, Steve O’Connell AM, said:
“This was a vital investigation that went to the heart of public trust in the electoral system. As noted in HMIC’s report, our work provided the impetus for the Met to re-open its inquiries.
“The report shows that any flaws in the original investigation did not result in missed opportunities to pursue criminal charges but it has also highlighted some significant shortcomings.
“Hopefully, this will go some way to reassure voters in Tower Hamlets that the democratic process will be protected and that any allegations will be taken seriously. The disquiet voiced by the community proved to have some validity, particularly in areas of communication and transparency, and we’re pleased that the Met is already making changes to address these concerns.”
Notes to editors
- The final report into Operation Lynemouth by HMIC can be found here.
- Steve O’Connell, Chairman of the Police & Crime Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Police & Crime Committee.
- 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 Giles Broadbent on 020 7983 4067. 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.