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Electoral Law inquiry

Inquiry

Many of the core elements of the law regulating election campaigns in parliamentary constituencies and local authority wards have not been updated since the nineteenth century. Recent prosecutions and investigations have demonstrated that even many experts are confused about how the law should be applied in practice to modern election campaigns.

The DCMS Committee inquiry into “Disinformation and ‘Fake News’” described how the regulation of political campaigns has not kept pace with the development of digital technology.

In 2016, the non-political Law Commissions published a comprehensive set of recommendations for simplifying and updating electoral law, but the Government has declined to implement them, citing lack of time. The Government has, however, made several proposals for further piecemeal reforms and additions to electoral law.

PACAC is therefore asking how urgent comprehensive reform is, what should be prioritised, and whether there is a need to go beyond the Law Commission’s proposals?

Work news

UK electoral law poses "serious and unnecessary risks"

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee publish report Electoral Law: the urgent need for reform

1 November 2019

PACAC questions Electoral Commission on need for electoral law reform as new PM prepares for office

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee look into how the consequences of continued inaction on electoral law reform would affect preparations for a future general election.

Committee examines consequences of failure to address electoral law concerns

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee explore consequences of continued inaction on electoral law reform

Committee considers urgent recommendations to update and consolidate electoral law

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee takes evidence from the Law Commission

PACAC launches new inquiry examining the case for comprehensive reform of electoral law

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs open new inquiry looking into how the current electoral law can be reformed

Contact us

Email: pacac@parliament.uk
Phone: 020 7219 3268 (general enquiries) | 07523 800011 (media enquiries)
Address: Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA