The elections watchdog has lashed out at top Tory Michael Gove over new legislation that lets governments shape how electoral rules apply to their party.
The Electoral Commission urged the government to axe parts of the Elections Bill, which it says will allow governments to muzzle the independent regulator and influence its “operational functions and decision-making” and.
In a letter to the Levelling Up Secretary on Monday, commissioners warn the introduction of a new “strategy and policy statement” for the watchdog gives ministers power over “oversight and enforcement of the political finance regime” and the guidance to political parties and campaigners.
It comes after an Electoral Commission investigation resulted in the Conservative Party being fined £17,800 for failing to properly declare a Tory peer’s £67,000 donation to cover lavish refurbishments to the Prime Minister’s Downing Street flat.
“It would thereby provide a mechanism, driven by the then governing party, enabling that party’s ministers to shape how electoral law is applied to them and their political competitors,” the commissioners said of the new policy statement.
“While the stated position of the current government is that it would not intend to use these powers to impact on the commission’s independent oversight and regulation of the electoral system, no such assurances can be given about how the broad scope of these powers would be used over time.
“Strong accountability is essential for this, but so too is demonstrable independence. The commission’s independent role in the electoral system must be clear for voters and campaigners to see, and preserved in electoral law.”
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner, meanwhile, accused Boris Johnson of “rigging our democracy for himself”.
The letter – signed by nine of 10 of the commissioners, less Tory-nominated Lord Gilbert due to his role in the Lords – urged ministers to “think again about these measures” and to “remove the provisions” under question.
Ms Rayner said: “The Elections Bill is anti-democratic in so many ways.
“Attacking institutions, allowing unchecked foreign money into British democracy, and disenfranchising so many people.
“Boris Johnson is rigging our democracy for himself.”
The legislation, which also includes controversial plans to introduce voter ID, has been backed by MPs and will this week be debated by the House of Lords.
A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: “We completely disagree with the Electoral Commission’s claims about the Elections Bill - our reforms will not affect their operational independence.
“The Pickles review on electoral fraud was clear that reforms were needed to improve accountability. Making the Electoral Commission more accountable will strengthen the integrity of the electoral process and help prevent fraud.”
