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Boris Johnson has announced a massive overhaul of the UK's constitution just five days after taking power.

The Prime Minister unveiled a range of measures including making it compulsory to show ID in order to vote and repealing the Fixed Term Parliaments Act.

Other changes include removing the 15-year restriction on voters overseas meaning that UK citizens who live abroad can vote for the rest of their lives.

The government will look at measures to protect elections from foreign interference and update rules for the digital age as part of a consultation on "electoral integrity".

New measures would mean voters need to show an "approved form of photographic ID" in general and local elections.

(Image: PA)

Critics have warned that the measure is likely to disenfranchise those that don't already have a passport of driving licence.

But the government have said those affected can apply free of charge for a "local electoral identity document".

Last year there were 665 cases of alleged voter fraud and complaints about elections last year, out of a total of 51.4 million votes cast in all electoral contests in that period.

Labour have warned the measure risks "denying millions" a vote.

According to the Electoral Commission, 3.5 million electors - 7.5% of the electorate – do not have photo ID.

Other measures indlue banning campaigners from handling postal voters, requiring voters to re-apply for a postal ballot every three years and restricting the number of postal voes a person can handle.

(Image: REUTERS)

The FTPA was introduced in 2011 as a way of providing stability during the coalition.

The repeal would give Mr Johnson control over when he next faces British voters, who have gone to the polls three times in less than five years.

It prevented the Prime Minister from calling an election during the Brexit deadlock in Westminster until his rivals agreed.