Barnet Council boss quits as authority launches probe into Mayor of London election 'shambles'

The boss of Barnet Council has resigned after voters were turned away from polling places during the 5 May London Mayor elections. The local authority apologised for the electoral list errors across the north London borough and later gave people the opportunity to use a proxy vote to have their say in the Mayor of London and London Assembly ballots.

But Andrew Travers, the chief executive of Barnet Council, has stood down following the events. "I have enjoyed my time at Barnet and I believe the changes we have put in place and the continued programme of growth and transformation will enable the borough to continue to thrive," he said.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, the Conservative leader of Barnet Council, added: "Andrew has overseen Barnet Council during a significant period of challenge and opportunity, delivering changes to services to ensure we get the best value for the tax payer and securing the Council's financial position. He leaves with my thanks and best wishes."

The move comes after the local authority announced an independent investigation into the errors with electoral registration lists on polling day.

This will be concluded by the end of May and the findings will be presented publicly to Barnet Council's General Functions Committee. "We are currently in discussions to establish who will lead on the investigation and will provide further information shortly," a spokesperson said.

The move came after outraged voters took to social media to vent their anger over being turned away from the polling places. Miličića Mića branded the situation an "absolute shambles".

Hayden Cohen, 29, told IBTimes UK that he saw around 10 people being turned away from one polling station in the borough "People have died for my democratic vote," the exams officer said. "The Mayor of London and the London Assembly make an impact on my daily life and I can't have a say on that."