Boris Johnson Turned Away From Polling Station After Forgetting ID Required By His Own Law

Boris Johnson outside a polling station in 2010. Picture date: Thursday May 6, 2010. (Ian Nicholson/PA Wire URN:8801623)

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was turned away from a polling station in South Oxfordshire Thursday after he was unable to produce photographic identification required as a result of legislation he enacted himself.

Introduced under his leadership, the Elections Act mandates that voters must present a valid form of photo ID like a passport or driving licence. This change, effective from last year, aims to curb electoral fraud—a problem Johnson’s government vowed to tackle.

Sky News reported that Johnson was caught in the snare of his own legislation, however, and without an ID could not participate in selecting the new police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, among other positions, until he’d retrieved it.

After finally resolving the situation, a representative confirmed that “Mr Johnson voted Conservative.”

Local elections are taking place across the country, affecting 107 authorities and involving 2,636 seats.