Electoral Commission told to rein itself in or face abolition

that the watchdog is “unaccountable”.

Writing for The Sunday Telegraph, Ms Milling also cites a number of referrals of Brexit campaigners to the police by the Commission, which she argues have “led to lengthy and often unnecessary investigations”.

She adds: “The Commission should be focusing on improving its core functions, not trying to expand its empire. If the Electoral Commission fails to make these changes and do the job it was set up to do then the only option would be to abolish it.”

In its submission, the Conservative Party claims there is “little outside challenge or scrutiny” of the watchdog, adding that there are a “number of flaws” with how it operates.

This includes an alleged lack of cooperation between staff members on its investigations – some of which have dragged on for years – and overly bureaucratic processes.

The party argues that the Commission should therefore be disbanded or have its powers reined in. It comes several weeks after senior Conservatives sounded alarm at the regulator’s plans to hand itself the power to bring low-order offences before the courts.

On the proposal, the Conservatives state: “This highlights serious flaws within the accountability of the Electoral Commission – namely, it is accountable to no one.”

A spokesman for the Commission said: “We look forward to seeing the outcome of the committee’s review, and to discussing how the framework can be updated to strengthen financial regulation and deliver greater voter confidence.

“The Electoral Commission plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the UK’s electoral and political finance systems, and has a strong record of delivery. We work proactively and collaboratively with a regulated community of parties and campaigners. The vast majority comply with electoral regulation, supporting voter confidence in our system.”