Northern Ireland went to the polls on July 4th in what, for several reasons, turned out to be a historic election. The term “historic election” has been worn out in Northern Ireland recently, as since 2017, our elections across the piece have all had … [Read more...] about The key takeaways from Northern Ireland’s election results
Election
Early Election? More Like a Return to Normal
Much has been made of Rishi Sunak’s decision to call an ‘early’ general election. But 4 July is only ‘early’ relative to the latest date an election could legally be held, in January 2025, and we shouldn’t be surprised that the Prime Minister hasn’t … [Read more...] about Early Election? More Like a Return to Normal
Should long-term emigrants be allowed to vote?
In January of this year, to relatively little fanfare, the UK Government extended voting rights to people who no longer live in the UK. In secondary legislation putting into effect the 2022 Elections Act, the previous 15-year time-limit on overseas … [Read more...] about Should long-term emigrants be allowed to vote?
The pre-election period: Purdah on the dancefloor
Introduction The latest date the next UK General Election can be held is 28 January 2025. That must be called before 17 December 2024, when the Prime Minister must ask the Monarch to dissolve Parliament. The ‘pre-election period’ (previously … [Read more...] about The pre-election period: Purdah on the dancefloor
Observing the introduction of Voter ID in 2023 in England
When I wrote my last article for the Constitution Society in December, it focused on the impact on local authorities of the forthcoming introduction of ID to vote. Following the elections on May 4th there is now a wider discussion taking … [Read more...] about Observing the introduction of Voter ID in 2023 in England
UK elections law: complex, fragmented and in need of reform?
The Labour Party has recently come in for criticism over a series of online advertisements alleging, among other things, that Rishi Sunak doesn’t think perpetrators of sexual offences against children should go to prison. The adverts cite as their … [Read more...] about UK elections law: complex, fragmented and in need of reform?
May the 4th be with them! Voter ID is no longer far, far away
Fair elections are the basis from which we choose our representatives to send to the local council or even to Parliament. This might seem something of a statement of the obvious, but people rarely realise that the methodology of such elections has … [Read more...] about May the 4th be with them! Voter ID is no longer far, far away
Elections change is largest in almost a century
As an election observer, I am used to observing elections in the UK and outside it with the election observation organisation, Democracy Volunteers. Following our observations, we make recommendations to election authorities about how to improve … [Read more...] about Elections change is largest in almost a century
Party members choosing Prime Ministers – a constitutional concern?
On 5 September, the Conservative Party will announce its new leader, and Britain’s next Prime Minister. After five rounds of voting, Conservative MPs have narrowed the choice down to two candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. But the final decision … [Read more...] about Party members choosing Prime Ministers – a constitutional concern?