William Eichler 09 May 2016

Barnet chief executive steps down after election errors

The chief executive of Barnet Council is stepping down after a mistake during the May 5 local elections left some residents unable to vote.

The wrong electoral registration lists were sent to the polling station, which meant some voters without polling cards were turned away.

Andrew Travers is leaving the authority by ‘mutual agreement’.

A spokesperson for the council has announced the launch of a full independent investigation into what went wrong and has also said arrangements for the EU referendum are being scrutinized.

‘Following problems with electoral registration lists on Thursday 5 May 2016, which meant that some Barnet residents were unable to vote, the council is launching a full independent investigation,’ the spokesperson said.

’The terms of reference will include a full review of the issues that arose last week as well as the appropriateness of the arrangements in place for the EU Referendum in June.

‘The review will conclude by the end of May and the findings will be presented publicly to the General Functions Committee.’

‘We are currently in discussions to establish who will lead on the investigation and will provide further information shortly,’ they added.

Visit The MJ (£) for more on this story.

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro rata)
Cleaner Grade 1, £24,796 (Pro rata) Permanent, part time. 12.5 hours per week Currently 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday (subject to change depending on Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Outreach Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£32,597 - £36,363
Outreach Support Assistant x 6 Grade 8, £32,597 - £36,363 Permanent, full time. Required to start ASAP.   We are seeking to appoint to the Secondary O Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Tenant Support

Durham County Council
Grade 2 - £24,796 - £25,185 (pro-rata)
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 - £25,583 - £26,824 (pro-rata)
We currently have multiple vacancies available including permament part time and a casual role. If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will u Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Data Science and Innovation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 12 £44,075 to £48,226 per annum
We are looking to appoint two enthusiastic, hardworking, and motivated Data Scence and Innovation Officers to join Durham’s Data & Insight service. On Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner