Citation, commencement, extent, transitional and savings provisions _I1

1. —(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023.

(2) The following provisions come into force on 31st October 2023—

(a) this regulation;

(b) regulation 3(1), (2), (7), (10), (15) and (17);

(c) regulation 4(1), (2), (7), (10) and (15);

(d) in Schedule 1, paragraphs 1, 6, 7(2), 8(2) and (3), 9, 10(2), 11(2) and (3), 12, 13(2) and (3) and 14(2).

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the remainder of these Regulations come into force on 1st November 2023.

(4) The following provisions come into force on 31st January 2024—

(a) regulation 3(8), (9)(c) and (d), (16) and (18)(c) and (d);

(b) regulation 4(8), (9)(c) and (d), (16) and (17)(c) and (d);

(c) regulation 5(7), (13), (19), (25), (31), (37) and (38)(e) and (f);

(d) in Schedule 1, paragraphs 7(1), 8(1), 10(1), 11(1), 13(1) and 14(1).

(5) An amendment made by these Regulations has the same extent as the provision amended.

(6)Schedule 1 (transitional and savings provisions) has effect.

Amendment of the Parish and Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987 _I2

2. —(1) Rule 6 (application of provisions in the Act of 1983) of the Parish and Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987( 5 ) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (a), after “114,” insert “114A( 6 ),” .

(3) After paragraph (e), insert—

“ (ea) in respect of the election of the chairman of a parish meeting or a poll consequent on a parish meeting—

(i) section 114A applies as if, in subsection (2)(b), “or of a proxy for an elector” were omitted;

(ii) section 115 does not apply;

(eb) in respect of a poll consequent on a community meeting, section 114A does not apply; ” .

Amendment of the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 _I3,I4,I5

3. —(1) The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006( 7 ) are amended as follows.

(2)Schedule 2 (rules for conduct of an election of councillors of a principal area where poll is not taken together with poll at another election) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (9).

(3) In rule 4 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(4) In rule 7 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (b)(i), for “and section 34 of the Localism Act 2011( 8 )” substitute “, section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 and section 30 of the Elections Act 2022( 9 )” .

(5) In rule 8 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);

(b) after paragraph (b) insert—

“ (c) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(6) In rule 9 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 4(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(7) In rule 24 (appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks), in paragraph (3)(c) for “mentions” substitute “mentioned” .

(8) In rule 33 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(9) In Part 7 (appendix of forms), for—

(a) the form of nomination paper;

(b) the form of candidate’s consent to nomination;

(c) the form of official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person); and

(d) the form of official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person),

substitute the corresponding form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 3 to these Regulations.

(10)Schedule 3 (rules for conduct of an election of councillors of a principal area where the poll is taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (11) to (18).

(11) In rule 4 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(12) In rule 7 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (b)(i), for “and section 34 of the Localism Act 2011” substitute “, section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 and section 30 of the Elections Act 2022” .

(13) In rule 8 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (aa);

(b) after sub-paragraph (b) insert—

“ (c) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(14) In rule 9 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 4(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(15) In rule 24 (appointment of presiding officers and clerks), in paragraph (3)(c) for “mentions” substitute “mentioned” .

(16) In rule 33 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(17) In rule 37 (voting by persons with disabilities), in paragraph (3) for “voter” in the third place it occurs, substitute “vote” .

(18) In Part 7 (appendix of forms), for—

(a) the form of nomination paper;

(b) the form of candidate’s consent to nomination;

(c) the form of official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person); and

(d) the form of official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person),

substitute the corresponding form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3 to these Regulations.

Amendment of the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 _I6,I7,I8

4. —(1) The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006( 10 ) are amended as follows.

(2)Schedule 2 (rules for conduct of an election of councillors of a parish where poll is not taken together with poll at another election) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (9).

(3) In rule 4 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(4) In rule 7 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (b)(i), for “and section 34 of the Localism Act 2011” substitute “, section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 and section 30 of the Elections Act 2022” .

(5) In rule 8 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (aa);

(b) after sub-paragraph (b) insert—

“ (c) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(6) In rule 9 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 4(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(7) In rule 24 (appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks), in paragraph (3)(c) for “mentions” substitute “mentioned” .

(8) In rule 33 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(9) In Part 7 (appendix of forms), for—

(a) the form of nomination paper;

(b) the form of candidate’s consent to nomination;

(c) the form of official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person); and

(d) the form of official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person),

substitute the corresponding forms set out in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to these Regulations.

(10)Schedule 3 (rules for conduct of an election of councillors of a parish where the poll is taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (11) to (17).

(11) In rule 4 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(12) In rule 7 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (b)(i), for “and section 34 of the Localism Act 2011” substitute “, section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 and section 30 of the Elections Act 2022” .

(13) In rule 8 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (aa);

(b) after sub-paragraph (b) insert—

“ (c) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(14) In rule 9 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 4(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(15) In rule 24 (appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks), in paragraph (3)(c) for “mentions” substitute “mentioned” .

(16) In rule 33 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(17) In Part 7 (appendix of forms), for—

(a) the form of nomination paper;

(b) the form of candidate’s consent to nomination;

(c) the form of official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person); and

(d) the form of official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person),

substitute the corresponding form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 4 to these Regulations.

Amendment of the Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007 _I9,I10

5. —(1) The Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007( 11 ) are amended as follows.

(2)Schedule 1 (the constituency members election rules) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (7).

(3) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(4) In rule 7 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (2)(b)(iii), after “(offences)” insert “or section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders)” .

(5) In rule 9 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “or” after sub-paragraph (a);

(b) after sub-paragraph (b) insert “or” ;

(c) after sub-paragraph (b) insert—

“ (c) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(6) In rule 10 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 6(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(7) In rule 36 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(8)Schedule 2 (the London members election rules) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (9) to (13).

(9) In rule 8 (nomination papers: general provisions) for paragraph (2) substitute—

“ (2) If an individual candidate or a candidate included on a party list—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with rule 6(2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with rule 6(2)(a). ” .

(10) In rule 9 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (2)(c)(iii), after “(offences)” insert “or section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders)” .

(11) In rule 11 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (4), after “by law”, insert “or that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate” .

(12) In rule 12 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (2)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 8(2)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(13) In rule 37 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(14)Schedule 3 (the mayoral election rules) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (15) to (19).

(15) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(16) In rule 8 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (2)(b)(iii), after “(offences)” insert “or section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders)” .

(17) In rule 10 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2), after sub-paragraph (c) insert—

“ (d) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(18) In rule 11 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 6(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(19) In rule 36 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(20)Schedule 5 (the constituency members election rules) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (21) to (25).

(21) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(22) In rule 7 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (2)(b)(iii), after “(offences)” insert “or section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders)” .

(23) In rule 9 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “or” after sub-paragraph (a);

(b) at the end of sub-paragraph (b) insert “or” ;

(c) after sub-paragraph (b) insert—

“ (c) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(24) In rule 10 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 6(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(25) In rule 36 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(26)Schedule 6 (the London members election rules) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (27) to (31).

(27) In rule 8 (nomination papers: general provisions), for paragraph (2) substitute—

“ (2) If an individual candidate or candidate included on a party list—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with rule 6(2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with rule 6(2)(a). ” .

(28) In rule 9 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (2)(c)(iii), after “(offences)” insert “or section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders)” .

(29) In rule 11 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (4), after “by law” insert “or that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate” .

(30) In rule 12 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (2)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 8(2)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(31) In rule 37 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(32)Schedule 7 (the mayoral election rules) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (33) to (37).

(33) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) substitute—

“ (3) If a candidate—

(a) commonly uses a surname that is different from any other surname the candidate has,

(b) commonly uses a forename that is different from any other forename the candidate has, or

(c) otherwise commonly uses one or more forenames or a surname in a different way from the way in which the candidate’s names are stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a),

the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a). ” .

(34) In rule 8 (consent to nomination), in paragraph (2)(b)(iii), after “(offences)” insert “or section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders)” .

(35) In rule 10 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers), in paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (b);

(b) after sub-paragraph (c) insert—

“ (d) that an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders) has effect in relation to the candidate. ” .

(36) In rule 11 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (3)—

(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 6(3)” ;

(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename” .

(37) In rule 36 (questions to be put to voters)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “put if” insert “(where applicable) the person has answered the previous question in the manner indicated, and” ;

(b) in the table following paragraph (1)—

(i) in entries 2 and 3, in the column headed “Question”, for question (c) substitute—

“ (c) Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of four or more electors? [R]

(d) If the person answers question (c) in the negative: “Disregarding any parliamentary election or police and crime commissioner election, have you already voted as proxy at this election or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, whether here or elsewhere in this electoral area or anywhere else in England, on behalf of two or more electors?” [R]

(e) If the person answers question (d) in the affirmative: “Were two or more of the electors on whose behalf you have voted in this election, or any other election or referendum for which the day of poll is today, registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R]

(f) If the person answers question (e) in the affirmative: “Is the elector (or are the electors) for whom you are voting today registered in a register of electors otherwise than in pursuance of a service declaration?” [R] ” ;

(ii) omit entry 4;

(c) in paragraph (2), for “3(a), (b) and (c)” substitute “3(a) and (b)” .

(38) In Schedule 10 (Schedule of forms) for—

(a) Form 1 (Nomination paper (constituency and individual London member candidates));

(b) Form 2 (Nomination paper (London member party list candidates));

(c) Form 3 (Nomination paper (Mayor of London candidates));

(d) Form 4 (candidate’s consent to nomination);

(e) Form 12 (official poll card); and

(f) Form 14 (official proxy poll card),

substitute the corresponding form set out in Schedule 5 to these Regulations.

Amendment of the Local Authorities (Elected Mayors) (Elections, Terms of Office and Casual Vacancies) (England) Regulations 2012_I11

6. In regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Elected Mayors) (Elections, Terms of Office and Casual Vacancies) (England) Regulations 2012(filling of casual vacancies: supplementary)( 12 ), in paragraph (1), after sub-paragraph (c) insert—

“ (ca) in the case of disqualification by virtue of an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification orders), on the date the office is vacated in accordance with section 31 of that Act (vacation of office etc); ” .

Regulation 1(6)

Schedule 1 Transitional and savings provisions

Part 1 Interpretation and general savings

Interpretation _I12

1. In this Schedule—

“ GLA Rules ” means the Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007;

“ Parish Rules ” means the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006;

“ Principal Areas Rules ” means the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006;

“ relevant rule ” means (as the case may be)—

Savings for elections for which the notice of election was published on or before 31st October 2023 _I13

2. The amendments made by regulations 3(5) and (13), 4(5) and (13) and 5(5), (11), (17), (23), (29) and (35) do not apply in relation to an election in respect of which the notice of election was published in accordance with the relevant rule on or before 31st October 2023.

Savings for elections for which the date of poll is on or before 1st May 2024 _I14

3. The amendments made by the following provisions do not apply in relation to an election in respect of which the date of the poll as specified in the notice of election published in accordance with the relevant rule is on or before 1st May 2024—

(a) regulation 3(3), (4), (6), (9)(a), (11), (12), (14) and (18)(a);

(b) regulation 4(3), (4), (6), (9)(a), (11), (12), (14) and (17)(a);

(c) regulation 5(3), (4), (6), (9), (10), (12), (15), (16), (18), (21), (22), (24), (27), (28), (30), (33), (34), (36) and (38)(a) to (c).

Savings for elections for which the date of poll is on or before 6th May 2024 _I15

4. The amendments made by regulations 3(9)(b) and (18)(b), 4(9)(b) and (17)(b) and 5(38)(d) do not apply in relation to an election in respect of which the date of the poll as specified in the notice of election published in accordance with the relevant rule is on or before 6th May 2024.

Modification of forms used for an election in the period beginning with 2nd May 2024 and ending with 6th May 2024 _I16

5. —(1) This regulation applies to an election in respect of which the date of the poll as specified in the notice of election published in accordance with the relevant rule is 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th May 2024.

(2) The reference to “the appropriate form” in—

(a) rule 7(b) of Schedule 2 to the Principal Areas Rules is to be taken as a reference to the form in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations;

(b) rule 7(b) of Schedule 3 to the Principal Areas Rules is to be taken as a reference to the form in Part 2 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations;

(c) rule 7(b) of Schedule 2 to the Parish Rules is to be taken as a reference to the form in Part 3 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations;

(d) rule 7(b) of Schedule 3 to the Parish Rules is to be taken as a reference to the form in Part 4 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations;

(e) rule 7(1)(a) of Schedule 1, rule 9(1)(a) of Schedule 2, rule 8(1)(a) of Schedule 3, rule 7(1)(a) of Schedule 5, rule 9(1)(a) of Schedule 6 and rule 8(1)(a) of Schedule 7 to the GLA Rules is to be taken as a reference to the form in Part 5 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations.

Part 2 Principal area councillor elections

Interpretation of Part 2 _I17

6. In this Part—

“ election conduct rules ” means the rules set out in Schedules 2 and 3 to the Principal Areas Rules (as the case may be);

“ ongoing principal area councillor election ” means a relevant principal area councillor election for which the date of poll as specified in the notice of election is on or after 31st January 2024;

“ relevant principal area councillor election ” means an election of councillors of a principal area for which the notice of election is published in accordance with the relevant rule on or before 30th January 2024.

Questions for proxies at certain principal area councillor elections _I18,I19

7. —(1) The amendments made by regulation 3(8) and (16) do not apply in respect of an ongoing principal area councillor election.

(2) Rule 33 of the election conduct rules applies in respect of a relevant principal area councillor election as if—

(a) in the table after paragraph (1)—

(i) in entry 2 (proxy), in the column headed “Question”—

(aa) after question (b) there were inserted—

“ (ba) “Were you appointed as proxy on behalf of C.D. before 31st October 2023?” [R] ” ;

(bb) in question (c), at the beginning there were inserted “If the person answers question (ba) in the affirmative:”;

(ii) in entry 3 (proxy for an elector with an anonymous entry), in the column headed “Question”—

(aa) after question (b) there were inserted—

“ (ba) “Were you appointed as proxy on behalf of the person whose number on the register of electors is (read out the number) before 31st October 2023?” [R] ” ;

(bb) in question (c), at the beginning there were inserted “If the person answers question (ba) in the affirmative:”;

(b) in paragraph (2), after “3(a), (b)” there were inserted “, (ba)” .

Poll card forms for certain principal area councillor elections _I20,I21

8. —(1) The amendments made by regulation 3(9)(c) and (d) and (18)(c) and (d) do not apply in respect of an ongoing principal area councillor election.

(2) The form of the official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person) and the form of the official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person) in the election conduct rules apply in respect of a relevant principal area councillor election as if, on the front of the form, before the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” there were inserted “(in the case of a proxy appointed before 31st October 2023)” .

(3) The form of the official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post) and the form of the official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post) in the election conduct rules apply in respect of a relevant principal area councillor election as if on the back of the form, before the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” there were inserted “(in the case of a proxy appointed before 31st October 2023)” .

[^F1 (4) Sub-paragraph (5) applies to an election of councillors of a principal area for which—

(a) the notice of election is published in accordance with the relevant rule on or after 31st January 2024, and

(b) the date of poll stated in that notice is on or before 1st May 2024.

(5) The form of the official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post) and the form of the official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post) in the election conduct rules apply in respect of an election to which this sub-paragraph applies as if, on the back of the form, for the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” and ends with “grandchild” there were substituted—

“ (in the case of a proxy appointed on or after 31st October 2023) vote as a proxy on behalf of more than four electors, of which no more than two may be on behalf of other domestic electors (a domestic elector is one who is not an overseas or service elector) ” . ^F1]

Part 3 Parish councillor elections

Interpretation of Part 3 _I22

9. In this Part—

“ election conduct rules ” means the rules set out in Schedules 2 and 3 to the Parish Rules (as the case may be);

“ ongoing parish councillor election ” means a relevant parish councillor election where the date of poll as specified in the notice of election is on or after 31st January 2024;

“ relevant parish councillor election ” means an election of councillors of a parish where the notice of election published in accordance with the relevant rule is published on or before 30th January 2024.

Questions for proxies at certain parish councillor elections _I23,I24

10. —(1) The amendments made by regulation 4(8) and (16) do not apply in respect of an ongoing parish councillor election.

(2) Rule 33 of the election conduct rules applies in respect of an ongoing parish councillor election as if—

(a) in the table after paragraph (1)—

(i) in entry 2 (proxies), in the column headed “Question”—

(aa) after question (b) there were inserted—

“ (ba) “Were you appointed as proxy on behalf of C.D. before 31st October 2023?” [R] ” ;

(bb) in question (c), at the beginning there were inserted “If the person answers question (ba) in the affirmative:”;

(ii) in entry 3 (proxy for an elector with an anonymous entry), in the column headed “Question”—

(aa) after question (b) there were inserted—

“ (ba) “Were you appointed as proxy on behalf of the person whose number on the register of electors is (read out the number) before 31st October 2023?” [R] ” ;

(bb) in question (c), at the beginning there were inserted “If the person answers question (ba) in the affirmative:”;

(b) in paragraph (2), after “3(a), (b)” there were inserted “, (ba)” .

Poll card forms for certain parish councillor elections _I25,I26

11. —(1) The amendments made by regulation 4(9)(c) and (d) and (17)(c) and (d) do not apply in respect of an ongoing parish councillor election.

(2) The form of the official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person) and the form of the official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person) in the election conduct rules apply in respect of an ongoing parish councillor election as if, on the front of the form, before the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” there were inserted “(in the case of a proxy appointed before 31st October 2023)” .

(3) The form of the official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post) and the form of the official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post) in the election conduct rules apply in respect of a relevant parish councillor election as if on the back of the form, before the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” there were inserted “(in the case of a proxy appointed before 31st October 2023)” .

[^F2 (4) Sub-paragraph (5) applies to an election of councillors of a principal area for which—

(a) the notice of election is published in accordance with the relevant rule on or after 31st January 2024, and

(b) the date of poll stated in that notice is on or before 1st May 2024.

(5) The form of the official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post) and the form of the official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post) in the election conduct rules apply in respect of an election to which this sub-paragraph applies as if, on the back of the form, for the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” and ends with “grandchild” there were substituted—

“ (in the case of a proxy appointed on or after 31st October 2023) vote as a proxy on behalf of more than four electors, of which no more than two may be on behalf of other domestic electors (a domestic elector is one who is not an overseas or service elector) ” . ^F2]

Part 4 Greater London Authority elections

Interpretation of Part 4 _I27

12. In this Part—

“ Authority election ”, “Constituency Members Election Rules”, “London MembersElection Rules and “Mayoral Election Rules” have the same meanings as in rule 2 of the GLA Rules;

“ ongoing Authority election ” means a relevant Authority election where the date of poll as specified in the notice of election is on or after 31st January 2024;

“ relevant Authority election ” means an Authority election where the notice of election published in accordance with the relevant rule is published on or before 30th January 2024.

Questions for proxies at certain Authority elections _I28,I29

13. —(1) The amendments made by regulation 5(7), (13), (19), (25), (31) and (37) do not apply in respect of an ongoing Authority election.

(2) The questions to voters rule applies in respect of a relevant Authority election as if—

(a) in the table after paragraph (1)—

(i) in entry 2 (proxies), in the column headed “Question”—

(aa) after question (b) there were inserted—

“ (ba) “Were you appointed as proxy on behalf of C.D. before 31st October 2023?” [R] ” ;

(bb) in question (c), at the beginning there were inserted “If the person answers question (ba) in the affirmative:”;

(ii) in entry 3 (proxy for an elector with an anonymous entry), in the column headed “Question”—

(aa) after question (b) there were inserted—

“ (ba) “Were you appointed as proxy on behalf of the person whose number on the register of electors is (read out the number) before 31st October 2023?” [R] ” ;

(bb) in question (c), at the beginning there were inserted “If the person answers question (ba) in the affirmative:”

(b) in paragraph (2), after “3(a), (b)” there were inserted “, (ba)” .

(3) In paragraph (2), “ the questions to voters rule ” means—

(a) rule 36 in the Constituency Members Election Rules or Mayoral Election Rules;

(b) rule 37 in the London MembersElection Rules.

Poll card forms for certain Authority elections _I30,I31

14. —(1) The amendments made by regulation 5(38)(e) and (f) do not apply in respect of an ongoing Authority election.

(2) In Schedule 10 to the GLA Rules (forms)—

(a) Form 12 (official poll card) and Form 14 (official proxy poll card) apply in respect of a relevant Authority election as if, on the front of the form, before the text that begins “vote as a proxy at this election” there were inserted “(in the case of a proxy appointed before 31st October 2023)” ;

(b) Form 13 (official postal poll card) and Form 15 (official proxy postal poll card) apply in respect of a relevant Authority election as if on the back of the form, before the text that begins “vote as a proxy at [^F3 the same election^F3] ” there were inserted “(in the case of a proxy appointed before 31st October 2023)” .

[^F4 (c) Form 13 (official postal poll card) and Form 15 (official proxy postal poll card) apply in respect of an Authority election to which sub-paragraph (3) applies as if, on the back of the form, for the text that begins “vote as a proxy at the same election” and ends with “grandchild” there were substituted—

“ (in the case of a proxy appointed on or after 31st October 2023) vote as a proxy on behalf of more than four electors, of which no more than two may be on behalf of other domestic electors (a domestic elector is one who is not an overseas or service elector) ” . ^F4]

[^F5 (3) This sub-paragraph applies to an Authority election for which—

(a) the notice of election is published in accordance with the relevant rule on or after 31st January 2024, and

(b) the date of poll stated in that notice is on or before 1st May 2024. ^F5]

Schedule 1, paragraph 5

Schedule 2 Forms for use at an election in respect of which the date of poll specified in the notice of election is within the period beginning with 2nd May 2024 and ending with 6th May 2024

Part 1 Form for substitution for Form of Candidate’s consent to nomination in Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 _I32

Front of Form

Back of Form

Part 2 Form for substitution for Form of Candidate’s consent to nomination in Schedule 3 to the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 _I33

Front of Form

Back of Form

Part 3 Form for substitution for Form of Candidate’s consent to nomination in Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 _I34

Front of Form

Back of Form

Part 4 Form for substitution for Form of Candidate’s consent to nomination in Schedule 3 to the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 _I35

Front of Form

Back of Form

Part 5 Form for substitution for Candidate’s consent to nomination in Schedule 10 to the Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007 _I36

Front of Form

Back of Form

Regulation 3(9) and (18)

Schedule 3 The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006: New Forms

Part 1 Forms for use at an election of councillors of a principal area where poll is not taken together with poll for another election or referendum _I37

Form of nomination paper

Candidate’s consent to nomination form Front of Form

Back of Form

Form of official poll card

Form of official proxy poll card

Part 2 Forms for use at an election of councillors of a principal area where the poll is taken together with poll for another election or referendum _I38

Form of nomination paper

Candidate’s consent to nomination form

Front of Form

Back of Form

Form of official poll card

Form of official proxy poll card

Regulation 4(9) and (17)

Schedule 4 The Local Elections (Parish and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006: New Forms

Part 1 Forms for use at an election of councillors of a parish where poll is not taken together with poll at another election _I39

Form of nomination paper

Candidate’s consent to nomination form

Front of Form

Back of Form

Form of official poll card

Form of official proxy poll card

Part 2 Forms for use at an election of councillors of a parish where the poll is taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum _I40

Form of nomination paper

Candidate’s consent to nomination form

Front of Form

Back of Form

Form of official poll card

Form of official proxy poll card

Regulation 5(38)

Schedule 5 The Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007: New forms _I41

Form 1: Constituency member and London member (individual) candidates: Form of nomination paper

Form 2: London member (party list) candidates: form of nomination paper

Form 3: candidate to be mayor of London: form of nomination paper

Form 4: candidate’s consent to nomination

Front of Form

Back of Form

Form 12: official poll card

Form 14: official proxy poll card