Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will soon launch an inquiry into the Metropolitan police's dealing of electoral fraud and malpractice allegations in Tower Hamlets. London Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden, who holds the legal power to initiate an investigation, wrote to the official police watchdog asking for a look into the investigation of the 2014 mayor race.
"It is right, particularly in cases such as these, that there is no political pressure whatsoever applied to the police and that they should be able to carry out their investigations, which are ongoing, without fear or favour. That said, I am keen to ensure the investigations can command the trust and confidence of Londoners and particularly residents of Tower Hamlets, who are keen to see the integrity of the democratic process robustly secured," she wrote.
Tower Hamlets independent mayor Lutfur Rahman was made to quit in 2015, after an Election Court found him guilty of corrupt and illegal practices. He however, faced no criminal prosecution. Rahman is now attempting to secure a comeback before next year's election under a new party. City Hall sources said Linden's letter was prompted by rising concern over the initial police investigation. "The public need to have the highest level of confidence that any and all criminal prosecutions have been considered and pursued," she said.
The London Assembly said the Met should be scrutinised for its "major failings" in the case, and accused it of missing opportunities in its inquiries. It has also been accused of taking a political decision, not to pursue Rahman and his Tower Hamlets First Councillors because it was afraid of getting involved in a sensitive political situation.
