MP Demands Explanation Over Undemocratic Reforms

Published:

Categories: Governance, UK Government (Westminster)

Alyn Smith MP has written to the Cabinet Office asking for an explanation over reforms to the Electoral Commission. Under these plans the Electoral Commission would be unable to take politicians to court over secret donations and illegal campaigning, placing new curbs on the regulator’s independence.

The Commission polices party and election finances and sets the standards for how elections should be run. Its focus is on the integrity and transparency of the democratic systems of Government. In the last four years the Commission has completed more than 500 investigations. Each of these investigations maintains public faith in our democracy but also helps to build up trust in our elections and representatives.

Alyn Smith MP said:

It is a disgrace that the Tory party is again riding roughshod over the democratic checks and balances that our society relies on. I am deeply worried that the Government is taking such a large step back.

‘I believe that the Commission, which has done some very important investigations recently, should be empowered in order to improve Government transparency and party finance. Instead the Tory party with dark money coming in from every direction seeks to undermine and weaken this vital institution of Government.’ 

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