Restore the Electoral Commission's Independence

We want ministers stripped of any powers related to the Electoral Commission’s budget and strategy. Parliament must restore the independence the Commission had pre-2022, and guarantee it can operate free from any political influence.

The Electoral Commission exists to safeguard trust in elections. In 2022, the previous government introduced measures to allow ministers to direct the Commission. The current Government have not changed this. We view this as a betrayal, and feel it shows both main parties protecting their own interests. We think a greater degree of independence should be restored if the public are to have confidence that elections remain free and fair.

The Electoral Commission is the independent statutory body which oversees electoral administration and regulates political finance. It is accountable to – and funded by – the UK Parliament via the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission.

The Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission sets out the Government’s priorities for electoral policy and the role and responsibilities of the Commission in enabling the Government to meet those priorities. The Electoral Commission are required to have regard to the Statement. The existing Statement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electoral-commission-strategy-and-policy-statement/electoral-commission-strategy-and-policy-statement) was designated by the previous Government on 29 February 2024.

This Government is taking decisive action to strengthen and protect the UK’s democracy. Robust and proportionate enforcement of political finance rules is an essential part of this. That is why, as announced on 17 July in the Government’s Strategy for Elections (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-trust-in-our-democracy-our-strategy-for-modern-and-secure-elections/restoring-trust-in-our-democracy-our-strategy-for-modern-and-secure-elections), we are committed to strengthening the Electoral Commission’s powers and extending its remit to ensure that it can effectively enforce the political finance framework.

Given these changes, the Strategy for Elections also set out the intention to designate a new Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission that reflects this Government’s priorities for elections and the Commission’s increased roles and responsibilities.

In doing so, we are clear that the Electoral Commission will remain operationally independent, and we will continue to support it to act without fear or favour in upholding political finance rules and stamping out foreign interference. Electoral Commissioners and the Commission’s executive leadership remain responsible for determining how the Commission should discharge its duties, including its strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.

Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government