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.

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.