WIREDGOV

After serving just over 10 years as Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, Peter Wardle has announced yesterday (Thursday 5 March) that following the elections on May 7, he will be standing down from his post in July this year.

Announcing his departure, Peter Wardle said:

‘It has been a great privilege serving as the Electoral Commission’s Chief Executive over the last decade. I am proud of everything the Commission has achieved in this period and I am confident that I am leaving it in a position where it is well placed to tackle the future challenges and opportunities it will face.

‘I have agreed with the Commission’s Board that, following the elections in May, I will step down from my role in July. This will allow sufficient time for my successor to be recruited and be in post before the current Chair also moves on from her position at the end of her current term, which is due to end in December  2016.’

Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission said:

‘I want to thank Peter, on behalf of the Board, for everything that he has helped us achieve in the past ten years.

We will of course begin the recruitment process for Peter’s successor as quickly as possible. However, the Commission’s focus remains on the important work we have to do in the run up to the elections on 7 May.

For further information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 07789 920 414

Notes to editors

1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections and are responsible for the conduct and regulations of referendum held under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000).