New inquiry: work of Electoral Commission

The inquiry will investigate the roles and functions of the Electoral Commission and how well it has discharged these responsibilities. It will also examine public and political confidence in the body and whether its powers should be changed. 

Chair's comment

The Chair of PACAC, William Wragg MP, said:   

“The twin core roles of the Electoral Commission – the regulation of political party funding and campaign expenditure, along with regulating electoral administration - are vital to our democracy and are facing new challenges. It is essential that the public and political actors have confidence in an electoral regulator”. 

Call for evidence

• Send a written submission to the inquriy

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee wants to hear your views. It welcomes submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the terms of reference. 

Terms of reference

The Committee invites evidence on the following issues: 

1. The effectiveness of the Electoral Commission in discharging its statutory obligations
2. a)  What roles and functions within the UK electoral system should the Commission      perform?
3. b)  Should the remit of the Electoral Commission be changed?
4. c)  What powers should the Electoral Commission have? Should the existing powers of the Electoral Commission be changed? 
5. The governance of the Electoral Commission
6. Public and political confidence in the impartiality and ability of the Electoral Commission
7. The international reputation of and comparators for the UK Electoral Commission
8. What, if any, reforms of the Electoral Commission should be considered?  

The Committee would also be interested in submissions on the effect of Covid-19 on UK elections.   

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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