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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 March 2026. It was answered by Jeremy Wright (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 on behalf of the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission.

Polling Stations: Police

Question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what discussions has the Electoral Commission had with (a) the Metropolitan Police and (b) Defending Democracy Taskforce on whether police officers should be stationed by polling stations for the councillor and mayoral elections in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in May 2026.

Answer

The Commission has regular conversations with the Metropolitan Police and the Defending Democracy Taskforce about electoral security.

It has met regularly with the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Enquiries Team ahead of elections in London in May 2026. It has discussed the stationing of police officers at polling stations, including in Tower Hamlets. It will continue to engage ahead of polling day.

The Presiding Officer is responsible for the security of the polling station. The Commission provides advice to polling station staff on how and when to engage with police on security or electoral integrity matters.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
119304
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Electoral Commission Local government Police Metropolitan Police Polling stations Tower Hamlets Defending Democracy Taskforce
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk