Overview

This bill proposes a system for recalling Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK. If a sufficient number of constituents sign a petition expressing loss of confidence in their MP, a recall election can be triggered, potentially leading to the MP's removal from office.

Description

The bill outlines a process whereby 1% of registered voters in a constituency can initiate a recall petition by signing a "notice-of-intent-to-recall" petition. The returning officer verifies the petition and, if valid, makes a recall petition available for signature for eight weeks. The petition must gain signatures from at least 20% of registered voters to be successful. If successful, a recall election is held within two months. If more voters choose "Yes" to recalling the MP, the seat becomes vacant, and a by-election is held.

Key Stages:

• 1% of registered voters initiate a notice-of-intent petition.
• Returning officer verifies and makes a recall petition available for eight weeks.
• If 20% of registered voters sign the petition, a recall election is triggered.
• A "Yes" vote in the recall election removes the MP, and a by-election follows.

Rules and Regulations:

The Secretary of State will create rules for submitting the notice-of-intent petition and conducting the recall election within six months of the bill's passing. These rules will be subject to parliamentary oversight.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that any costs incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the new system will be covered by funds provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Members of Parliament (MPs): Risk losing their seats if a recall petition is successful.
• Constituents/Voters: Gain the ability to remove their MP before the next general election.
• Returning Officers: Responsible for managing the petition and election processes.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for creating the necessary rules and regulations.

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