Restore the independence of the Electoral Commission

The last Government ended the Electoral Commission's independence by giving the government control over the Commission's strategy and policy.

That’s a very dangerous step.

A strong and independent elections' watchdog is VITAL to stopping authoritarian leaders from ripping up democratic norms.

We shouldn’t wait for a Trump style leader to come to power here - we need safeguards in place now. That starts with restoring the independence of the Electoral Commission.

The authoritarian playbook is clear - we’ve seen it used in Russia, Hungary, Turkey and now in the US. We need to learn from it.

A new Elections Bill will be introduced to Parliament soon. The bill MUST restore the independence of the Electoral Commission.

  • Westminster

    Sign the petition

    We are concerned that the Elections Bill does not seem set to restore full independence to the Electoral Commission.

    Please sign our petition calling on the Government to put this right.

    SIGN THE PETITION
  • Hand in to No 10

    Our letter from MPs

    31 parliamentarians have signed our joint letter calling on the Prime Minister to commit to restoring the independence of the Electoral Commission.

    We delivered the letter to No 10 with Phil Brickell MP and Lisa Smart MP.

    SEE THE LETTER
  • Town Hall

    Our briefing for MPs

    An independent Electoral Commission is critical for ensuring the integrity and fairness of the democratic process.

    Restoring independence would reaffirm the UK's commitment to fair elections and protect its democratic institutions from undue influence.

    READ MORE