Guidance

Guidance for Petition Officers – Recall of MPs Act

Guidance on the existing statutory duties placed on Petition Officers in the organisation of recall petitions under the Recall of MPs Act 2015.

• From: Cabinet Office and Chloe Smith
• Published: 24 September 2020

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

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Guidance for Petition Officers- Recall of MPs Act

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Guidance for Petition Officers- Recall of MPs Act

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Details

Chloe Smith MP, Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution, has released ‘Guidance for Petition Officers’ in relation to their statutory responsibility, under the Recall of MPs Act 2015, to make arrangements for a recall petition to be opened in their constituency.

This guidance does not change the responsibilities of Petition Officers. Instead, it seeks to offer further guidance to assist Petition Officers in the performance of their statutory duties as set out in the Recall of MPs Act 2015 and the Recall of MPs Act (Recall Petition) Regulations 2016.

Background

Since 2015, there have been three recall petitions held, each of which has been triggered by a different provision under the Recall of MPs Act 2015. Of the three recall petitions which have taken place, in two instances the petition was signed by 10% (or more) of eligible voters. This meant the MP’s seat was vacated and by-elections were held in the constituencies of Peterborough in June 2019 and Brecon and Radnorshire in August 2019.

Published 24 September 2020