Yesterday’s court defeat shows that the Electoral Commission is not fit for purpose

An effective umpire must command the confidence of both sides with regard to both its impartiality and its basic competence. At present, it doesn’t come close.

How should our electoral law change to work in the digital age?

From ‘fake news’ to micro-targeting, crowd-funding to data rights, we explore the key areas of focus for an overdue review of the rules of our democracy.

Nicholas Mazzei: Conservatives should back the rule of law – and the Electoral Commission

Even Brexit supporters should support our impartial institutions, which have fined pro-Remain campaigners too.

Darren Grimes: Help me to challenge the Electoral Commission’s ruling

I put my head above the parapet and campaigned for Brexit – the decision to penalise me appears vindictive, and threatens to harm our participatory democracy.

Iain Dale: Lewis didn’t deliberately break a pairing arrangement this week

Plus: Those who worked with him at Vote Leave have a duty of care to Darren Grimes. And: Don’t try to out-stare Raab.

The Electoral Commission is not fit for its crucial purpose

Following a series of concerning errors, it has now emerged the regulator’s ‘investigation’ into the Leave campaign did not involve actually interviewing any of those involved.

James Frayne: Campaigns. Out-spending the opposition only works when the fundamentals are in place

I’d relax the limits significantly if not totally, but insist on near real-time transparency from campaigns over their permitted donors.

Tim Bale: Why the real Conservative membership figure matters to the whole country – not just the party

Sooner or later, it will hold a leadership contest in which its members will actually get to decide the winner – and perhaps our next Prime Minister.

The Government should push ahead with voter ID trials

Claims that there is no case for them beyond the interests of the Conservative Party ring hollow in the face of the Electoral Commission’s support.

Iain Dale: Playing truth or dare with Jacqui Smith

Plus: May’s EU trials, Labour’s EU shifts – and how Russia got there before Trump by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Well, part of it.

Daniel Hannan: Leave.EU and Arron Banks – the Brexiteers that the Remain campaign loved

And here’s the thing: Banks knew it. Farage knew it. But they didn’t care. Their primary objective was to be seen to lead the campaign, not to win it.

Henry Hill: The public’s scepticism towards devolution is not reflected among their rulers

Also: DUP dig in their heels in Stormont dispute; and Scottish Labour leadership challenger credits Corbyn with party’s revival.

Peter Golds: Voter corruption is prosecuted in Scotland, and it should be in England too

The Crown Prosecution Service and the police are still failing to uphold democracy in Tower Hamlets.

The “red tide” of third-party campaigns raises worrying questions about political funding

The Tory campaign was outgunned by a broad alliance of officially non-partisan groups. But are they all truly independent? And where is their money coming from?

Iain Dale: There must be a reckoning for the Electoral Commission after the election

Plus: UKIP abandons the field against Remain Tories. A bike-riding Minister isn’t canvassing. And: Michael Crick should apologise.