New evidence ‘could mean criminal charges’ over Lutfur Rahman’s corrupt 2014 Tower Hamlets election
An angry Lutfur Rahman at a 2015 rally in Mile End after being banned from office by the High Court. Picture: Mike Brooke - Credit: Mike Brooke
Fresh investigations into the corrupt 2014 Tower Hamlets local elections which led to mayor Lutfur Rahman’s ban from office could finally result in criminal prosecutions, an official report last night suggests.
New evidence of Tower Hamlets election fraud uncovered by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. Picture: Mike Brooke - Credit: Mike Brooke
A second interim report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary warns that evidence they’ve uncovered “provides realistic opportunities for investigation and prosecution”.
The original Met Police investigation “failed to secure evidence” which could have led to further inquiries which the inspectorate’s ‘Operation Lynemouth’ has now done.
Investigators are now seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service on whether it is legally safe for criminal proceedings.
Scotland Yard’s Fraud Squad had considered 10 issues during the original investigation, including fraud, bribery, perjury and tax evasion—but made no arrests.
Met Police Cmndr Stuart Cundy under fire at London Assembly in February 2017, over lack of action two years after Tower Hamlets election fraud ruling. Picture: London Assembly - Credit: London Assembly
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Operation Lynemouth has already identified “potential evidential opportunities”, although acknowledges still much work to be done.
The Met came under fire at the London Assembly in February for having taken no action for two years, after the High Court in 2015 found Rahman guilty of corrupt and illegal practices. There had been no criminal prosecutions.
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Police Commander Stuart Cundy was criticised for “major failings” when investigating electoral fraud and malpractice.
Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs, who won back control of the town hall for Labour in the 2015 election re-run, and Tory group opposition leader Peter Golds both addressed an Assembly special committee about criminal evidence given to Scotland Yard which failed to produce any action.
Cllr Peter Golds confronting Police Commander Cundy in February at the London Assembly with evidence of Tower Hamlets election fraud he says was ignored. Picture: London Assembly - Credit: London Assembly
Cllr Golds, who held up a copy of a signed witness statement in a heated exchange at the committee session with Cmdr Cundy having claimed there had been a “lack of evidence”, is today calling for changing the town hall’s election team of officials from those tainted by the 2014 corruption.
“It is now official that the police investigations didn’t follow the available evidence,” cllr Golds told the East London Advertiser. “This latest Inspectorate report is moving in the right direction to clear up this election fraud issue.
“But the Met Police must assure the public that malpractice and corruption won’t be sidelined. We need a new team supervising the 2018 election, not those who failed so dismally last time.”
He is writing to the Metropolitan Commissioner urging such a change be confirmed “as soon as possible”.
Tower Hamlets current mayor John Biggs giving evidence at London Assembly in February on Lutfur Rahman's 2014 corrupt election. Picture: London Assembly - Credit: London Assembly
Mayor Biggs welcomed the interim report showing Operation Lynemouth making progress, although it has “taken an extraordinary long time”.
He added: “I await the outcome of the Crown Prosecution Service decision about whether this will include possible prosecutions.’’
This follows his comments in February that the community “needs confidence that those responsible for trying to steal the 2014 election will be brought to justice”.
Yesterday’s Inspectorate of Constabulary report hints that investigators could now have the evidence needed for criminal prosecutions.
