THE Tories’ Elections Bill poses a “serious threat” to the fairness of all future votes in Britain, a former electoral commissioner has warned. 

Writing for political website openDemocracy, Professor David Howarth, electoral commissioner between 2010 and 2018, said that he was appalled by the government’s plan to reduce the independence of the watchdog. 

Ministers face mounting pressure to drop the proposed legislation, set to return to Parliament this week, as an increasing number of organisations and figures condemn it as a “power grab.” 

The Elections Bill would introduce rules requiring voters to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot paper at a polling station and giving new powers over the independent Electoral Commission to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove.  

Critics have warned that the Bill’s proposals would allow Mr Gove to influence the commission’s work and ban campaigners and donors, including trade unions.

“It is difficult to express just how appalling this is,” Prof Howarth said. 

“Electoral commissions, like the courts, do not exist to please elected politicians. They exist to protect free and fair elections, which they can’t do unless they are independent and free from the control of the ruling party.”

Mr Howarth added that the proposals would also limit the ability of smaller parties to form electoral pacts, which are sometimes considered a possible means of removing a Tory government.

On Sunday, an open letter signed by charities, trade unions and campaign groups condemned the proposed legislation as “an attack on the UK’s proud democratic tradition and some of our most fundamental rights.”

Labour has pledged to vote against the second reading of the Bill whens it returns to Parliament this week.