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

• Watch on Parliament TV: Electoral Law
• Inquiry: Electoral Law
• Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Background

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, and recent prosecutions and investigations have demonstrated that even many experts are confused about how the law should be applied in practice to modern campaigns.

In 2016, the non-political Law Commission published a comprehensive set of recommendations for simplifying and updating electoral law, but the Government has not yet implemented them.

Purpose of the session

As the Conservative party announces the outcome of its leadership contest, and speculation mounts regarding a possible general election, this session will seek the perspective of the Electoral Commission on how urgent the need for updating and consolidation of the law is, and what might take place if an election occurs without action having been taken. The Committee is also expected to consider the liability of individual candidates and agents for the spending of third parties, the impact of the internet and digital campaigning tools, and the level of public confidence in the integrity of elections in the UK. 

Witnesses

Tuesday 23 July 2019, The Wilson Room, Portcullis House

From 10.30am

• Bob Posner, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission
• Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation, Electoral Commission

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: PC