What is the electoral commission?

The Electoral Commission is the independent body that oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. It sets standards for running elections, registers political parties and publishes donations and spending. It can investigate and fine those who break the rules. It reports to Parliament, not the government.

The Commission was set up in 2000 under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act. It keeps the register of political parties and checks party names and logos. It publishes donations and loans that parties receive, and what they spend at elections. It can fine parties and campaigners that break the rules, and refer serious cases to the police. It also gives guidance to the local officials who run polling stations and counts. It runs public campaigns to encourage people to register to vote. Since the Elections Act 2022, the government can issue a strategy and policy statement to the Commission. Critics said this weakened its independence. The Commission also reports on how well each election went. It is funded by Parliament and run by a board of commissioners.