WIREDGOV

Bob Posner, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, has announced that he will retire from his role in Spring 2022. 

Bob’s decision to retire comes after 15 years working at the Commission, spanning four referendums and four general elections. He was appointed interim Chief Executive in December 2018 and formally appointed to the position in April 2019. He first joined the Commission in 2007, and served as Director of Regulation and Legal Counsel between 2014 and 2018.

A recruitment process will begin shortly, to ensure a comprehensive search and smooth transition next spring.

John Pullinger, Chair of the Electoral Commission said:

“Bob has dedicated 15 years to the Commission and its important work to oversee the delivery of well-run elections, and to regulate political finance. He has been instrumental in delivering high levels of compliance with the political finance rules, formalising the approach to party and campaigner registration, and in calling for much needed reform of electoral law to ensure voters and campaigners can have confidence in our system. His contribution has been central to supporting the continued delivery of well-run elections and referendums.

“The Board and I are grateful to Bob for his contribution, and ongoing support and expertise. We will continue to work closely together on the Commission’s priorities and activities until his retirement begins next spring.” 

Bob Posner added:

“The work of the Commission is integral to maintaining public trust and confidence in our democratic systems, and I am extremely proud to have led the organisation over the last three years. Thanks to the commitment and skills of Commission staff, we continue to play an essential role at the centre of the UK’s democratic processes, providing essential support to electoral administrators, to parties and campaigners, and to voters. I will continue to lead this work in the coming months, ahead of the appointment of my successor.” 

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to Editors

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:

• enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
• regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
• using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, 
• aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Scottish and Welsh parliaments.