Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing accusations of employing 'dictator-esque' tactics after his government quietly abolished seven independent parliamentary watchdogs in a move that has sent shockwaves through Westminster.
The controversial decision, slipped out in a written ministerial statement just before the parliamentary recess, has been branded a 'deeply sinister' power grab that severely weakens scrutiny of the executive.
The axed roles include:
- The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
- The Victims' Commissioner
- The Pubs Code Adjudicator
- The Domestic Abuse Commissioner
- The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner
- The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
- The Trade Remedies Authority
Labour's Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, led the condemnation, stating: 'This is a dictator-esque attempt to avoid scrutiny and shows utter contempt for the British public.'
Former Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, expressed her profound dismay, telling The Mirror: 'I think it's a great pity. It's a diminution of accountability.'
The government claims the move will create a more 'streamlined' accountability framework. However, critics argue it represents a systematic dismantling of vital checks and balances designed to hold ministers to account.
This dramatic consolidation of power raises serious questions about the government's commitment to transparency and independent oversight, leaving key areas of public concern without dedicated scrutiny.
