Welsh Secretary comments on Electoral Commission decision
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has noted the decision of the Electoral Commission not to designate official Yes and No campaigns.
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has noted the decision of the Electoral Commission not to designate official Yes and No campaigns for the forthcoming referendum on whether law-making powers for the National Assembly for Wales should be increased.
Mrs Gillan said:
This is a matter for the Electoral Commission. The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, as introduced by the previous Government, provides that either a registered participant is designated as lead organisation for each outcome of the referendum or no participants are so designated.
As set out in the Act, the Electoral Commission will now run a public information campaign about the referendum to raise awareness and encourage voting, and ensure that people are provided with objective and unbiased information. I understand that it is also seeking views from registered campaigners on what further action it might need to take in light of today’s decision.