Enfield Council has said it is not accrediting journalists to observe the count for three by-elections.

By-elections were held at for the borough council’s Chase, Southbury and Jubilee wards yesterday, on the same day as elections for the Mayor of London and Greater London Assembly.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service was told the council was not accrediting reporters for the count, which is taking place at Alexandra Palace on Saturday.

Neighbouring Barnet Council has allowed journalists to be accredited for its by-election counts, which are also taking place at Alexandra Palace.

According to Electoral Commission guidance published this year, the returning officer, who oversees the electoral process, can decide whether to allow the media to attend the count.

The following is an excerpt from Electoral Commission guidance for electoral observers in England, published May 2021:

“The following people are entitled by law to attend the verification and count:

  • Returning Officers (RO) and their staff
  • candidates plus one guest
  • election agents (or a sub-agent on their behalf)
  • counting agents
  • Electoral Commission representatives
  • observers accredited by the Electoral Commission
  • any other person permitted by the RO

“The RO may allow representatives of the media to attend the verification and count.

“They must not interfere with the process or compromise the secrecy of the vote.”

An Enfield Council spokesperson said: “Enfield Council’s primary concern is the safety of count staff, candidates and all other attendees at the count. Unfortunately, because of a combination of space restrictions and the precautions that were required to be taken at the count due to the coronavirus pandemic, the returning officer decided it was not possible to host journalists.

“We have made arrangements to communicate the results of our by-elections to journalists as soon as they are announced.”