Recommendation 38

Noting the importance in maintaining the perceived and actual independence of the Electoral Commission, the body which scrutinises the Electoral Commission’s compliance with the Statement and will play a key role in the consultation process (including providing any objections to the disapplication of the consultation procedures) must itself be seen to exercise its powers impartially and with cross- party support. We note support from external stakeholders for including lay members on the Speaker’s Committee and that no single party exercises a majority on the Committee. (Paragraph 187) 70 The Elections Bill