Big win as government commits to restoring independence of Electoral CommissionWe just saw a significant victory when it comes to ensuring the independence of our elections watchdog. It came during the second reading of the Representation of the People Bill on Monday, which is the...Posted 04 Mar 2026
Why Electoral Commission independence mattersThis week, a new report from Spotlight on Corruption highlighted the impact of Electoral Commission independence to the UK’s democratic standing. The report lays bare just how far the UK has slipped since ministers were given...Posted 30 Sep 2025
Electoral Commission Chair shares perspective with MPs and Peers at ERS backed eventLast month we hosted an APPG for Electoral Reform event at Portcullis House, The future of the electoral system – in conversation with John Pullinger CB, Chair of the Electoral Commission. We were delighted to...Posted 11 Apr 2024
Electoral Commission chair calls out government on voter ID and finance loopholesIn a recent, wide-ranging, interview with the Financial Times, John Pullinger, the chair of the Electoral Commission, expressed concerns about the government’s voter ID scheme and the threat to the Commission’s independence contained in the...Posted 25 Jan 2024
Voter ID rules criticised by MPs, election watchdog and election administratorsThis week three separate independent reports have exposed the extent of the unnecessary damage voter ID has wrought to our democracy. Voter ID was rushed through for the local elections in May which meant voters...Posted 15 Sep 2023
There is a dangerous loophole in our political financing rulesShadowy dining clubs and millions of pounds in donations. This is the realm of ‘unincorporated associations’ one of the least-regulated areas of political finance in the UK. Last week, Politico reported that these little-known entities...Posted 12 Jun 2023
The Electoral Commission’s letter on the 2022 Elections Bill is unprecedentedThe Electoral Commission has written an unprecedented letter to the government, calling for them to reconsider provisions in the Elections Bill that would undermine the Commission’s role of oversight of our elections. The Commission’s letter,...Posted 22 Feb 2022
The government aren’t listening – make your voices heard on 5th FebruaryJoin the Elections Bill Rally in Parliament Square. The passing of the government’s Election Bill through the House of Commons last week was a huge blow to democracy. It now heads to the Lords, with...Posted 28 Jan 2022
Now it’s over to the Lords to prevent the government’s assault on democracyYesterday was a dark day for democracy. Despite widespread opposition from campaigners, election experts, academics and civil society the government’s Elections Bill successfully passed through the commons. The Bill includes clauses introducing voter ID, more...Posted 18 Jan 2022
The government should stop and re-think the 2022 Elections Bill as it returns to the CommonsThe government’s Elections Bill returns to the House of Commons on Monday 17th January despite the opposition against their plans growing from all sides of the chamber. The bill has faced fierce opposition from campaigners,...Posted 14 Jan 2022