Labour rushes to scrap photo ID checks at polling stations as election speculation mounts

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026 · last updated 12 October 2026.

Labour is pushing forward with changes that would allow voters to use non-photo bank cards as valid identification at polling stations, prompting accusations that the party is weakening electoral protections ahead of a possible snap election. Ministers have said such cards would need to display only the holder's initials rather than a full name, with no obligation to indicate the owner's sex. The Electoral Commission has cautioned that relaxing verification rules could undermine public confidence in the integrity of elections. Burnham had previously ruled out an early election, but reports suggest there "might be a sweet spot" for one in the months ahead.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting defended the changes, telling GB News Labour wanted to ensure photo ID rules had not caused "legitimate voters being disenfranchised".

The Conservatives have gained three points in the latest Opinium poll, hitting 20 per cent following Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge at conference, though Labour holds a commanding lead at 29 per cent.