Sometimes it is obvious when an attempt is being made to destroy a democracy. Tanks rolling across a border and missiles striking cities don’t leave much room for doubt. But threats can be both more subtle and a slower burn.
Last week, the elections bill cleared its first hurdle in the House of Lords (UK elections watchdog warns bill threatens its independence, 21 February). During the debate, peers queued up to set out their concerns about the impact on the independence of the Electoral Commission – the elections watchdog – once Michael Gove is setting its strategy and policy. It is a dangerous power to put into political hands.
