Investigations under sections 54(7) and 61(1) - Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.032024
I note you seek access to the following information:
1. How many investigations has the MPS carried out since 2010 into possible offences under sections 54(7) and section 61(1) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; and how many resulted in charges and convictions.
2. The responsibilities and terms of reference for the Special Enquiries Team, including its geographical jurisdiction. I note that the Team’s then terms of reference were provided in your FOI response ref 2017030001006 dated 20 April 2017.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Q1 - How many investigations has the MPS carried out since 2010 into possible offences under sections 54(7) and section 61(1) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; and how many resulted in charges and convictions.
0 investigations
Q2 - The responsibilities and terms of reference for the Special Enquiries Team, including its geographical jurisdiction. I note that the Team’s then terms of reference were provided in your FOI response ref 2017030001006 dated 20 April 2017.
Please note the Special Enquiries Teams terms of reference remain the same as those issued in the 2017 response.
To investigate sensitive and confidential enquiries within the Metropolitan Police District involving high profile subjects and domestic PEPs (politically exposed persons) which require Specialist Crime involvement and do not fall within the remit of other specialist units. For example MP's and Lord's Expenses.
To assess and review allegations relating to offences committed by those in public office and/or on the Parliamentary Estate where the matter relates to the disclosure of their duties as a public official.
To provide advice and assistance to other commands/force areas and the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) regarding allegations against MP's and Members of the European Parliament (MEP's).
To act as MPS lead for Electoral Offences. The SET are the MPS SPOC for Electoral Fraud and Malpractice allegations, the majority of which relate to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (RPA), Parties Political Elections and Referendum Act 2000 (PPERA) and Electoral Administration Act 2006 (EAA).
Whilst respective boroughs maintain responsibility for the local policing of elections, including policing polling stations and community issues, the SET will provide specialist, focussed advice to all MPS boroughs with regard to guidance and the SET works with the Electoral Commission and local authorities in a proactive preventative
capacity to ensure free and fair elections.
In addition commanding officers within the MPS may task the SET to deal with other confidential cases not outlined above which are deemed to be beyond the capability and capacity of borough police or other units.