Overview

This bill proposes a system for recalling elected representatives in England and Wales. If a sufficient number of voters sign a petition expressing a loss of confidence, a recall election will be triggered. The bill specifies the process for initiating and conducting these recall petitions and elections.

Description

The Recall of Elected Representatives Bill allows voters to initiate a recall petition if 1% of registered voters in a constituency sign a notice of intent. A Returning Officer will then be appointed to oversee the process. The petition must be signed by at least 20% of registered voters within an eight-week period to trigger a recall election. The wording of the petition is standardized. The recall election will ask voters whether the elected representative should be recalled. If a "Yes" vote wins, the representative is recalled, and a by-election follows. The Secretary of State will set rules for the conduct of recall elections, accounting for different electoral systems (e.g., first-past-the-post versus proportional representation). The bill also specifies that rules regarding petition submission will be set out by the Secretary of State and will be subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The cost of by-elections resulting from successful recall petitions will be covered by the Consolidated Fund. The costs associated with recall petitions and elections themselves will be borne by the relevant local authority. These costs will not be considered when determining central government grants to these authorities. Specific financial figures are not included in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Elected Representatives: Risk recall and potential loss of office if a recall petition succeeds.
• Voters: Gain the power to initiate a recall petition and participate in recall elections.
• Returning Officers: Responsible for administering the recall petition and election process.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for funding the costs of recall petitions and elections.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for setting rules for recall elections and the process of submission of the petition.

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