The GLA Oversight Committee met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss preparations for the 2028 Mayoral and Assembly elections, review the Greater London Authority's (GLA) budget, and consider the ways of working for London Assembly Plenary meetings. The committee also noted actions taken under delegated authority and reviewed the GLA Oversight Committee's work programme.

Preparations for the 2028 Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections

The committee received an update on the preparations for the 2028 elections, with a particular focus on the reintroduction of the second preference vote for the Mayor of London. Mary Harpley, the Greater London Returning Officer, confirmed that while many electoral reforms are expected to be implemented before 2028, some may come into effect for the first time in that year, presenting additional challenges. The GLA is working closely with the Government and the Electoral Commission on these reforms.

Plans are underway to procure an electronic counting system for the elections, with procurement launched and a provider expected to be identified by spring 2026. Contingency plans are in place should procurement fail, which would involve reverting to a manual count. The committee also discussed the move to a single venue, the ExCeL London, for the count, citing cybersecurity, cost-effectiveness, and consistency of delivery as key reasons. This move has the full support of the 14 Constituency Returning Officers (CROs).

Discussions also covered the removal of the ballot mixing requirement, a piece of legislation unique to GLA elections. While there is broad agreement on its removal, the timing of legislative change remains uncertain. The committee was assured that efforts are being made to have this addressed by June 2026 to allow for planning flexibility.

Concerns were raised about the potential for spoiled votes due to confusing ballot papers, particularly with the reintroduction of the second preference vote. The GLA is committed to ensuring ballot papers are designed to minimise confusion and will conduct public testing. Cybersecurity measures for the e-counting system are a high priority, with a move to a single, closed system at ExCeL London intended to significantly reduce risks.

Plans are also being developed for an accessibility plan for the 2028 elections, which will cover areas such as neurodiverse voters and aids for deaf voters. The committee was informed that the Government is expected to legislate on accessibility in time for 2028. Public awareness campaigns are planned for 2026 to engage young Londoners and explain the voting systems, including the reintroduction of the second preference vote and the distinction between London-wide Assembly votes.

London Assembly Quarterly Budget Report

The committee noted the 2025-26 Quarter 3 budget report, which indicated an underspend of £324,000 year-to-date. This underspend is primarily attributed to staff vacancies and the tail end of post-election impacts in Group offices. Steps are being taken to fill vacancies, and managers are exploring ways to use available underspends to support delivery in the final quarter. The report also highlighted that the Assembly's budget is expected to be met with a reduced draw down from its reserve, with current projections indicating a need for approximately £150,000 from the reserve, which currently stands at over £2.5 million.

London Assembly Plenary Ways of Working

The committee received a report outlining background information for discussions on the London Assembly's Plenary ways of working. The report noted that Plenary meetings serve to hold question and answer sessions with GLA family bodies and debate motions. The committee was recommended to note the report as background for discussions with invited guests and to delegate authority to the Chair to agree any output arising from the discussion. The investigation will consider external views on the purpose and impact of Plenary and explore suggestions for improvement.

Action Taken Under Delegated Authority

The committee noted the recent action taken by the Chair of the Assembly, in consultation with the Chair of the GLA Oversight Committee and party Group Lead Members, under delegated authority. This action involved jointly signing a petition with the Mayor of London, addressed to His Majesty the King, seeking the transfer of the former Greater London Council's (GLC) Coat of Arms to the Greater London Authority (GLA).

GLA Oversight Committee Work Programme

The committee noted its work programme for the Assembly year 2025/26. The programme outlines the committee's functions, including the management of the Assembly's budget, oversight of GLA corporate governance, and scrutiny of senior officers' activities. Specific scrutiny topics for upcoming meetings include London Assembly Plenary Ways of Working.

Declarations of Interests and Minutes

The committee noted the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests. It also confirmed the minutes of previous meetings held on 12 November 2025 and 11 December 2025.