Skip to main content
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.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Jeremy Corbyn, with Zarah Sultana (not pictured) speaking at a discussion on Your Party, their new political party, at The World Transformed conference, at Niamos Radical Arts Centre in Hulme, Manchester. Picture date: Friday October 10, 2025
Your Party Conference 2025 / 28 November 2025
28 November 2025

With ‘Your Party’ holding its founding conference in Liverpool this weekend, JEREMY CORBYN speaks to Morning Star editor Ben Chacko about its potential, its priorities — and a few of its controversies too

A general view of the Houses of Parliament in London
Lawman / 11 October 2025
11 October 2025

ANSELM ELDERGILL is a member of Your Party and he suggests how the new party should reform Britain’s constitution

TORY HIGH SOCIETY:  Sir John Ritblat
Features / 19 September 2025
19 September 2025

It is rather strange that Labour continues to give prestigious roles to inappropriate, controversy-mired businessmen who are also major Tory donors. What could Labour possibly be hoping to get out of it, asks SOLOMON HUGHES