The Earl of Sandwich, Sir Exarkhos CV MVO MBE KC PC, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Electoral Commission.
After the July General Elections were concluded last weekend, His Royal Highness the Duke of St Andrews, TheBritishUnion, resigned from his role as Chair of the Commission. After the sunset of a great era, the outgoing Chair recommended for Exarkhos, his deputy, to take his place – a recommendation fulfilled by His Majesty the King.
The BBC was fortunate to talk to the new EC Chair on his plans and opinions on the current situation of the Electoral Commission. *
How do you feel about stepping into this new position?
“I see it less as a new position and more of a culmination of the work I’ve put in for a little over a year now with the Electoral Commission, to be honest. It’s the logical next step for me. That doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m very excited to continue with elections to come in this community and ensure things stay as high-quality as they were under my predecessor.”
What are the areas of improvement for the EC?
“We’ve got a high-quality team of people ready to work, so I feel that we’re (generally) in a pretty good place. Not much comes to mind as far as the EC as an institution. I’m a believer that our electoral system can always use reform, so I’m eager to work with Parliament in this role to continue making our system greater.”
What do you think about this month’s election considering the huge voter turnout?
“I think we’re all really pleased when we get large elections. With the GE being on a rather awkward day this time around, it’s an even better demonstration that people are still interested and passionate about politics. Perhaps it’s a rather vain goal, but I hope to break our current electoral record of (I think?) 640 under my chairmanship. With the positive direction I see our political sphere going, I think it’s very possible.”
Can only “influential” people get in the Electoral Commission or is it accessible to the larger community?
Certainly, accessibility to the public is one of our main goals, but I feel that somewhat dilutes the nature of the work we do. Ultimately, our job is to be a referee and watchdog. We require validators and Commissioners who match that mission, and our hiring decisions try to reflect that. We absolutely welcome the passion and involvement of citizens, but the best place to start to get a job here is ultimately in politics.
Before we conclude this interview do you have anything to say to the public reading this interview?
I look forward to representing you all faithfully throughout my tenure, and appreciate the confidence and well-wishes that have been expressed.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Read the new Chairman’s appointment statement here.