Motion on Draft Electoral Commission Strategy and Policy Statement

The House of Commons approved the Electoral Commission Strategy and Policy Statement on 31 January 2024.  I note that, during the debate, the Minister for Elections claimed, “This statement and the previous legislation that this House has put through will augment the accountability of the commission to Parliament and, in so doing, serve this as its sole and only purpose: to build on Parliament’s and the public’s confidence in its work”.

In her response, the Shadow Minister noted that polling shows that trust in our politics and democratic institutions is at an all-time low, under this Government. I agree with her that all politicians need to work hard to restore trust and give people confidence that politicians will follow the rules. In my view, this Statement raises the appearance of politicians in Government seeking to influence the work of the independent body tasked with managing elections, the Electoral Commission. That is why the Statement is so concerning. As the Shadow Minister pointed out in her speech, “MPs from all parties have condemned it and respected bodies have rejected it, which is further proof that we need a new approach to a democracy that works for everyone”. The risk is that the Statement represents a “dangerous politicisation of our independent elections watchdog. I am concerned as, I know, do many other MPs. There was a vote on the draft Statement. I am disappointed that Government MPs pressed ahead and approved it despite the lack of consensus over it. The House of Lords will now consider the Statement. 

Motion on Draft Electoral Commission Strategy and Policy Statement, I voted No and the result was: Ayes: 273 and Noes:
190