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Electoral Commission Committee
10 September 2020
Lead MP
Alistair Carmichael
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Democracy & Elections
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about electoral commission committee in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asked what representations have been received on recent media reports indicating that the Government plans to abolish the Electoral Commission.
Stated that the Speaker's Committee has not received any representations regarding these media reports. He mentioned that the committee is undertaking a review of electoral finance regulation and that changes to the Electoral Commission’s constitution would be a matter for Parliament.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Responded by suggesting that if the governing party wants to abolish the Electoral Commission, it indicates that the body is doing its job well as an independent entity. He questioned whether this desire signifies the commission's effectiveness.
Replied by pointing out the track record of the Electoral Commission, noting 500 adjudications and only one challenge being upheld in court, suggesting that its performance is satisfactory.
Government Response
The committee has received no representations regarding these media reports. Changes to the constitution of the Electoral Commission would require Parliamentary action. The commission's track record includes over 500 adjudications with only one successful legal challenge.
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