Oral Answers to Questions

Joe Powell Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2025 Commons Chamber

The right hon. and learned Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, was asked—

[Joe Powell (Kensington and Bayswater) (Lab)]

10. What discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission on the arrangements for the publication of the first strategy and policy statement.

[Sir Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam)]

The first and current strategy and policy statement for the Electoral Commission was published by the previous Government in February last year. The commission passed its report to the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission this week, setting out how it has had regard to the statement as required by law. The commission will publish that report in due course.

[Joe Powell]

The Elections Act 2022 passed by the previous Government imposed a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission, undermining its independence for some confected agenda about voter fraud, and eroding trust and confidence in the commission. Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the best course of action would be not to publish a further strategy and policy statement until such a time as the legislation can be reviewed?

[Sir Jeremy Wright]

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that that is the commission’s view. He will know that the commission remains opposed to the principle of a strategy and policy statement, and views such a mechanism as inconsistent with its independent role.