Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the Electoral Commission, the independent regulatory body which oversees elections and referendums, and regulates political finance in the UK.

As you know, the Committee on Standards in Public Life is currently reviewing the regulation of elections. This inquiry will consider the regulatory functions and powers of the Electoral Commission and the Committee intends to report with any recommendations by June 2021.

The Electoral Commission is not accountable to Government, but to Parliament. Its independence is established in law and any change to its constitution would be a matter for Parliament.

However, as you know, a UK Government MP has put forward the view that legislation should be amended so that a regulatory policy statement, setting out the Electoral Commission’s remit and goals, would be published by the government of the day. It has also been suggested that without reform to its governance, the Commission could be abolished.

I share your concern about any plans of this nature, which I believe would be a harmful and worrying step for the integrity of our democracy. I am concerned that removing the Electoral Commission could be part of a concerted strategy to remove scrutiny and proper accountability.

The integrity of our democracy is vital and must be defended. The Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring elections and referendums are run effectively and fairly, in accordance with the law. I am concerned that any move to restrict the Commission could undermine faith in our democracy.

Instead, I support increasing the financial penalties available to the Electoral Commission and believe it should be given stronger powers to investigate breaches of electoral law.

Thank you once again for contacting me and sharing your views about this issue. I can assure you I will oppose any attempts to undermine the independence and vital role of the Electoral Commission.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP