Overview

This bill allows voters in England and Wales to initiate a recall election for their elected representatives (MPs, MEPs, local councillors, and mayors) under specific circumstances. If a sufficient number of voters sign a petition, a recall election is held, and the representative may be removed from office if a majority votes for their recall.

Description

The bill outlines a process for recalling elected representatives. It requires 1% of registered voters in a constituency to sign a notice of intent to trigger a recall petition. The Secretary of State will set rules for petition submission. The returning officer then makes the recall petition available for signature for eight weeks. The petition succeeds if at least 20% of registered voters sign it. A recall election follows within two months, asking voters whether the representative should be recalled. If a majority votes "Yes," the representative is recalled, and a by-election (or a process for proportional representation seats as determined by the Secretary of State) is held.

Key Stages:

• Notice of Intent: 1% of registered voters sign a notice.
• Petition: A recall petition is available for 8 weeks. 20% of voters must sign for success.
• Recall Election: Held within 2 months of successful petition.
• By-election: Held within 2 months if the representative is recalled (except for proportional representation).

Government Spending

The cost of by-elections resulting from successful recall petitions will be covered by the Consolidated Fund (national government). The costs of recall petitions and elections themselves will be borne by the relevant local authority, without affecting their central government grant.

Groups Affected

• Elected Representatives: Risk of removal from office if a recall petition is successful.
• Voters: Gain the power to initiate recall petitions and vote in recall elections.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for funding recall petitions and elections.
• Returning Officers: Responsible for managing the process.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for setting rules for petitions and recall elections.

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