Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 21
The Committee notes that electoral law in the UK is voluminous and fragmented across a...
Conclusion
The Committee notes that electoral law in the UK is voluminous and fragmented across a raft of primary legislation and accompanying secondary legislation. We believe that there is a risk that this Bill will add further complexity.
Paragraph Reference:
21
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Electoral law is complex but understood by those who administer elections and referendums. It is robust and we can, as we have in the past, rely on it and our electoral administrators to underpin free and fair elections and have confidence in their results. That is not to say that the legislation cannot be and should not be revised and improved. Undoubtedly the rules that govern our electoral landscape are numerous and have evolved over time, and the Government agrees in principle that electoral law would benefit from consolidation. We remain committed to ensuring that our electoral law is fit for purpose, now and into the future. We also acknowledge that the process of consolidating electoral law will be a long-term project that will take significant consideration and policy development and is not something to rush. The Government’s immediate priority is to deliver on its manifesto pledges, and to strengthen electoral integrity to stop the real risks of electoral fraud – as seen in Tower Hamlets in 2014–15.