Moved by
Lord Hayward
31: Before Clause 10, insert the following new Clause—
“Candidate nomination paper: commonly used names
(1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (Parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.
(2) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (2A) substitute—
“(2A) 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) (for example, where the commonly used names are in a different order from the names as so stated, include only some of those names, or include additional names),
the nomination paper may state the commonly used name or names in addition to the names as stated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a).”
(3) In rule 14 (publication of statement of persons nominated), in paragraph (2A)—
(a) for “in addition to another name” substitute “in accordance with rule 6(2A)”;
(b) for “any other name” substitute “the other surname or forename”.
(4) In the form of nomination paper in the Appendix of forms, for note 2A substitute—
“2A_ Where a candidate commonly uses a name or names—
(a) that are different from the candidate’s full names as stated on the nomination paper, or
(b) in a different way from the candidate’s full names as stated on the nomination paper,
the commonly used name or names may also appear on the nomination paper; but if they do so, the commonly used name or names (instead of any other name) will appear on the ballot paper.”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment clarifies the circumstances in which candidates in parliamentary elections may use names by which they are commonly known. It also makes related changes to the notes that appear on the nomination paper.