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Electoral Commission calls on government to abandon plans to reduce its independence
People take part in a rally against the Elections Bill in Parliament Square, London

THE elections watchdog warned today that plans to reduce its independence could allow ministers to shape how electoral law applies to their own party and their political opponents. 

In a strongly worded letter, the Electoral Commission reiterated calls for the Tory proposals to be abandoned. 

Its commissioners wrote to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to stress that the provision in the Elections Bill would allow governments to influence the watchdog’s “operational functions and decision-making.”

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