POLLING problems across the capital at last month's General and local elections are to be investigated by the London Assembly.

Ousted Hendon MP Andrew Dismore has made a host of allegations about problems at polling stations in his former constituency, which he lost by 106 votes to Tory Matthew Offord.

The claims include voters being turned away from queues at some polling stations at 9pm — an hour before polls closed — and people failing to receive postal votes.

Today, the assembly agreed a motion tabled by member Roger Evans to look into problems reported across the city, as well as allegations of electoral fraud in some areas.

Mr Evans said: “The scenes of angry citizens denied the opportunity to cast their vote outside some London polling stations on May 6, undermined the integrity of our democracy.

“While politicians are rightly kept at arms' length from the organisation of polling day, we do have a duty to ensure those charged with delivering free and fair elections conduct the poll efficiently and effectively.

“Our review will identify where mistakes were made, or systems failed and recommend action to ensure they cannot be repeated.”

The review will be carried out by the business management and administration committee with a report and recommendations being produced by May 2011.

Barnet Council is also holding a review into the way the polls were run in the borough, with a report expected by the end of the month.