We want ministers stripped of any powers related to the Electoral Commission’s budget and strategy. Parliament must restore the independence the Commission had pre-2022, and guarantee it can operate free from any political influence.

The Electoral Commission exists to safeguard trust in elections. In 2022, the previous government introduced measures to allow ministers to direct the Commission. The current Government have not changed this. We view this as a betrayal, and feel it shows both main parties protecting their own interests. We think a greater degree of independence should be restored if the public are to have confidence that elections remain free and fair.