Key information
Decision type: GLRO
Directorate: Resources
Reference code: GLRO24-10
Date signed:
Date published:
Decision by: Mary Harpley, Chief Officer of the GLA
Executive summary
This decision sets out the proposed Directions to be given by the Greater London Returning Officer to Constituency Returning Officers to discharge functions set out in the Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007 (as amended).
Decision
That the Greater London Returning Officer (GLRO) approves the GLRO’s directions to Constituency Returning Officers, attached at Appendix 1, under Rule 11 of the Greater London Authority Election Rules 2007 (as amended).
Part 1: Non-confidential facts and advice
1.1. The proposed Directions are attached at Appendix 1. They were discussed in advance with the Electoral Commission, Constituency Returning Officers (CROs), Borough Returning Officers (BROs) and Electoral Services Managers (ESMs).
1.2. The purpose of the Directions is to ensure that the delivery of the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections complies with the law, and with Electoral Commission guidance and performance standards; and to ensure a consistency of experience for voters, candidates and agents.
1.3. The Directions thus provide the Greater London Returning Officer (GLRO) with confidence that CROs are working to an agreed consistent standard; and reduce the risk of a challenge to the conduct of the election.
1.4. The Directions are similar to those developed for the postponed 2020 elections and rescheduled 2021 elections. But there are new and modified directions around verification and count processes further to the decision to count votes manually, rather than electronically, as set out in decision GLRO24-01 (the Greater London Authority Election Rules 2007 (the 2007 Rules) modify the verification and count rules where there is to be a manual count). Directions that would pertain to Mayoral and Assembly elections if a UK parliamentary election is also held on Thursday 2 May 2024 have also been drafted.
2.1. All key stakeholders have been consulted and agreement reached that the Directions allow each CRO to discharge their functions in accordance with relevant legislation.
3.1. There are no equality considerations arising from this decision.
4.1. There are no financial considerations arising from this decision.
5.1. The directions are consistent with the GLRO’s functions as detailed in the 2007 Rules. Under Rule 11 the GLRO may give to any CRO a direction either: as to the manner in which s/he must discharge any of his/her functions set out in these Rules; or requiring him/her to provide the GLRO with any information which the CRO has, or is entitled to have, in accordance with these rules.
5.2. It is the duty of each CRO to whom a direction is given to discharge his/her functions in accordance with that direction.
Appendix 1 – GLRO Directions 2024
Signed decision document
GLRO24-10 Directions 2024
Supporting documents
GLRO24-10 Appendix 1 Directions