WIREDGOV

Commenting on the launch of the Committee on Standards in Public Life's review of electoral regulation, a spokesperson for the Electoral Commission yesterday said:

“The review launched by the Committee on Standards in Public Life is a welcome look at the regulatory framework on election finance, enforced by the Commission, the police and the courts. This framework ensures the integrity and transparency of democracy and political finance are maintained in the UK, and underpins public confidence in our democratic process.

“Since the current regulatory regime was established in 2000, the nature of campaigning at elections and referendums has changed; the use of digital campaigning techniques is significant and electoral laws are struggling to keep pace. This makes CSPL’s work even more timely and valuable. We look forward to engaging with the Committee on this review, and to discussing how the framework can be updated to strengthen financial regulation and deliver greater voter confidence.”

Background

• The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. 
• The Electoral Commission was established in November 2000, as a result of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. It reports to the UK Parliament through the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission. 
• The previous review by CSPL in 2007 led to significant and positive changes to legislation, the regulation of election and referendum campaigns and the Commission’s approach to enforcement. 
• Our chief executive has written a blog post about the launch of this review.