Labour to scrap government power over elections watchdog amid fears of abuse

MPs and campaigners had warned law imposed by Tories could be used by future leaders to ‘undermine democracy’UK politics live – latest updatesMinisters are to repeal powers imposed by the...

By Peter Walker Senior political correspondent · The Guardian World

MPs and campaigners had warned law imposed by Tories could be used by future leaders to ‘undermine democracy’ UK politics live – latest updates Ministers are to repeal powers imposed by the Conservatives that allowed them control over the elections watchdog, after warnings they could be abused by a future government with authoritarian ambitions. Steve Reed, who as communities secretary is overseeing a new elections bill, announced the move to MPs, saying he would “repeal in full the power for government to impose a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission”. Continue reading...