The leader of the Tory opposition on Tower Hamlets Council has accused police and the Electoral Commission of being ineffective in ensuring free and fair elections in the borough.

On a conservative website Cllr Peter Golds writes: “The lack of action taken on fraud and intimidation can be laid at the police and election officials.”

He said that in one month, leading up to the combined general and local elections, and in Tower Hamlets also a referendum on a directly elected Mayor, the council’s electorate increased by 7,000.

“After the 2010 elections I sent a detailed letter to the Electoral Commission itemising examples of abuse and calling on them to investigate.

“The police conducted enquiries and surprise surprise no action was taken. I’m not suggesting Scotland Yard allows this to dominate their work. However, I do believe investigations should be robust.”

No response to the criticism was received by the Advertiser from Scotland Yard.

The Electoral Commission’s director of electoral administration, Andrew Scallan, said: “Electoral fraud is a criminal offence and, as such, allegations are investigated by the police. We provide guidance and advice to election teams and the police to help them tackle it.

“We have been assured by the police and Tower Hamlets Council that the issue is being treated very seriously and action is being taken.

“Tower Hamlets Council has told us they are checking properties where eight or more electors are registered.”