Representation of the People Bill — Amendment Paper: Notices of Amendments as at 15 April 2026

Committee StageWednesday 15 April 2026
Representation of the People Bill
(Amendment Paper)
This document lists all amendments tabled to the Representation of the People Bill. Any withdrawn
amendments are listed at the end of the document. The amendments are arranged in the order in which
it is expected they will be decided.
 Amendments which will comply with the required notice period at their next appearance.
_38 Zöe Franklin
Helen Maguire
. Clause 71, page 92, line 35, after “candidates,” insert “candidates’ relatives, candidates’ staff,”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would, with NC55, include family members and staff of candidates as people
towards whom hostility would be treated as an aggravating factor.
_Gov_NC14 Samantha Dixon
. To move the following Clause—
“Removal of strategy and policy statement
(1) In Part 1 of PPERA 2000 (the Electoral Commission) omit—
(a) sections 4A to 4E and the italic heading before those sections (strategy
and policy statement);
(b) section 13ZA and the italic heading before that section (examination
by the Speaker’s Committee of the Electoral Commission’s performance
of duty to have regard to strategy and policy statement).
(2) Omit sections 16 and 17(1) of the Elections Act 2022 (which inserted the sections
repealed by subsection (1)).

(3) The Electoral Commission is not required to publish a report under section
4B(4) of PPERA 2000 in relation to any 12-month period ending on or after
the day on which this section comes into force.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause removes provision about the designation of a strategy and policy statement for the
Electoral Commission.
_Gov_NC60 Samantha Dixon
. To move the following Clause—
“Power of Scottish Ministers to vary sums in Schedule 7 to PPERA 2000
In section 155 of PPERA 2000 (power to vary specified sums or percentages),
in subsection (1A)—
(a) after “vary” insert “—
(a) ”;
(b) at the end insert “, or
(b) any sum for the time being specified in Schedule 7 so far
as that sum applies in relation to a donation to a member
of a local authority in Scotland who is not also a member
of a registered party.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause, which would be inserted after clause 62, amends section 155(1A) of the Political
Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 to provide a power for the Scottish Ministers to vary
the sums in Schedule 7 (control of donations to individuals and member associations), so far as they
relate to areas of devolved competence.
_NC1 Lisa Smart
Zöe Franklin
Vikki Slade
Freddie van Mierlo
Mr Paul Kohler
Helen Maguire
Siân Berry
Hannah Spencer
Dr Ellie Chowns
Adrian Ramsay
Manuela Perteghella
Carla Denyer
. To move the following Clause—
“Proportional representation for national and local elections
(1) All elections to the House of Commons and to local authorities in the United
Kingdom shall be conducted using a system of proportional representation.
(2) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision for the
implementation of proportional representation voting systems for the purposes
of subsection (1).
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 2

(3) Regulations under this section may in particular—
(a) specify which proportional representation system or systems are to be
used, including but not limited to—
(i) the Single Transferable Voting System;
(ii) the Additional Member System;
(iii) open or closed party list systems.
(b) make provision for the creation or modification of electoral boundaries
where necessary;
(c) make provision about the nomination of candidates;
(d) make provision about the conduct, counting and verification of votes;
(e) make consequential, supplementary, incidental, transitional or saving
provisions;
(f) amend, repeal or revoke any enactment, including this Act and other
electoral legislation, where the Secretary of State considers it necessary
in consequence of this section.
(4) Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must
consult—
(a) the Electoral Commission;
(b) the Boundary Commissions;
(c) representatives of local government; and
(d) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be
made unless—
(a) a draft has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House
of Parliament; and
(b) the proposed electoral changes have been approved in a referendum
held throughout the United Kingdom.
(6) The Secretary of State must make provision by regulations for the conduct of
any referendum required under subsection (5)(b).
(7) The first elections conducted under proportional representation under this
section must take place no earlier than 18 months after regulations under this
section are made.
(8) In this section—
“proportional representation” means any electoral system designed to
allocate seats broadly in proportion to the votes case;
“local authority” has the meaning given in section 270 (1) of the Local
Government Act 1972;
“parliamentary elections” means elections to the House of Commons.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would introduce proportional representation for all national and local elections.
3 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

_NC2 Lisa Smart
Zöe Franklin
Vikki Slade
Mr Paul Kohler
Helen Maguire
Manuela Perteghella
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Permissible donors not to include individuals serving a foreign administration
(1) Section 54 of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) An individual who would otherwise fall within subsection (2)(a) is not
a permissible donor if that individual is, or has been—
(a) a member of, or
(b) a politically-appointed adviser to
a foreign administration.”
(3) After subsection (8) insert—
“(9) In subsection (2A)—
“foreign administration” means the government or state apparatus
of any country or territory outside the United Kingdom;
“member” includes elected and appointed members.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would ban those who are or have been members of a foreign administration, or
advisers to a foreign administration, from donating money to a political party, think tank or
campaigning body.
_NC3 Lisa Smart
Zöe Franklin
Vikki Slade
Mr Paul Kohler
Helen Maguire
Manuela Perteghella
. To move the following Clause—
“Permissible donors not to include persons who have promoted political violence
(1) Section 54 of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (3ZB) insert—
“(3ZC) A person is not to be treated as a permissible donor in relation to a
donation if the person has been convicted of a prescribed offence
relating to the promotion, incitement, or use of political violence.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 4

(3ZD) The Secretary of State must by regulations prescribe the offences which
fall within subsection (3ZC).””
_NC4 Liam Byrne
Luke Myer
Florence Eshalomi
Manuela Perteghella
Dr Ellie Chowns
Siân Berry
Hannah SpencerAdrian RamsayCarla Denyer
Daniel Francis
. To move the following Clause—
“Donations in cryptoassets to political parties and candidates
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) In Section 55 (payments etc. which are (or are not) to be treated as donations
by permissible donors), at end insert—
“(7) Any donation received by a registered party which is—
(a) made wholly or in part with cryptoassets; or
(b) accepted by means of a custodian wallet provider or cryptoasset
exchange provider,
shall be regarded as a donation received by the party from a person
who is not a permissible donor.
(8) Within three months of the coming into force of this section, the
Electoral Commission must publish guidance in relation to the matters
in subsection (7).
(9) In this section—
“Cryptoassets” has the meaning given by Regulation 14A(3)(a) of
the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds
(Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017;
“Custodian wallet provider” has the meaning given by Section
131ZC (3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002;
“Cryptoasset exchange provider” has the meaning given by Section
131ZC (3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.”
(3) RPA 1983 is amended as set out in subsection (4).
(4) In Schedule 2A, paragraph 6 (prohibition on accepting donations from
impermissible donors), after subparagraph (3), insert—
“(3A) Any relevant donation received by a candidate or their election agent
which is—
(a) made wholly or in part with cryptoassets; or
(b) accepted by means of a custodian wallet provider or cryptoasset
exchange provider,
5 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

shall be regarded as a donation received by a candidate or their election
agent who is not a permissible donor.
(3B) Within three months of the coming into force of this section, the
Commission must publish guidance in relation to the matters in
subsection (3A).
(3C) In this section—
“Cryptoassets” has the meaning given by Regulation 14A(3)(a) of
the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds
(Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017;
“Custodian wallet provider” has the meaning given by Section
131ZC (3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002;
“Cryptoasset exchange provider” has the meaning given by Section
131ZC (3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.””
Member's explanatory statement
The purpose of this new clause is to prevent parties and candidates from accepting donations in
cryptoassets,to reduce the risks of anonymous and impermissible donations.
_NC5 Sir Gavin Williamson
Steve Barclay
James McMurdock
. To move the following Clause—
“Commonwealth citizens: removal of voting rights
(1) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as set out in subsections
(2) to (4).
(2) In section 1 (parliamentary electors), in subsection (1)(c), leave out “either a
Commonwealth citizen or”.
(3) In section 2 (local government electors)—
(a) in subsection (1) (c), leave out “is a Commonwealth citizen,”
(b) in paragraph (1) (c) (ii) after “foreign citizen;” insert “or a
Commonwealth citizen;”
(4) In section 4 (entitlement to be registered as parliamentary or local government
elector)—
(a) in subsection (1) (c), leave out “is either a qualifying Commonwealth
citizen or”
(b) in subsection (3) (c), leave out “is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen,”
(c) in paragraph (3) (c) (ii) after “Wales” insert “a qualifying Commonwealth
citizen”.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause removes the right of Commonwealth citizens to vote in UK Parliamentary Elections
and in local government elections in England.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 6

_NC6 Martin Wrigley
Charlotte Cane
Susan Murray
Pippa Heylings
Freddie van Mierlo
Mr Paul Kohler
Manuela PerteghellaHelen Maguire
Jack Rankin
Daisy Cooper
David Chadwick
. To move the following Clause—
“Overseas electors: postal ballots
(1) RPA 1985 is amended as follows.
(2) After section (12) insert—
“12A Overseas electors: postal ballots
(1) The Secretary of State must, by regulation, make provision regarding
the casting of postal ballots by overseas electors.
(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must provide for overseas
electors to be offered the ability—
(a) to request an electronic version of their ballot paper for elections
to print using the elector’s own printing facilities; and
(b) in a relevant country, to return their completed ballot paper to
a United Kingdom embassy, High Commission or consulate for
onward delivery to the relevant returning officer by diplomatic
mail to be counted.
(3) For the purposes of this section, “a relevant country” is one where the
United Kingdom maintains an embassy, Hight Commission or consulate.
(4) Regulations made under subsection (1) may amend provision made by
or under any other Act as necessary.
(5) Any regulations made under this section must not be made unless a
draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House
of Parliament.””
_NC7 Martin Wrigley
Charlotte Cane
Susan Murray
Pippa Heylings
Mr Paul Kohler
Daisy Cooper
David ChadwickManuela PerteghellaHelen Maguire
Jack Rankin
7 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

. To move the following Clause—
“Overseas electors: information on voter registration by the UK Passport Office
The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay
before Parliament a report containing proposals to require the UK Passport
Office to provide information on voter registration to United Kingdom residents
overseas when they—
(a) apply for a passport; or
(b) apply to renew their passport.”
_NC8 Freddie van Mierlo
Martin Wrigley
Layla Moran
Manuela Perteghella
Charlotte Cane
David Chadwick
Alex Brewer
Luke Taylor
Calum Miller
Zöe Franklin
Wera Hobhouse
Lisa Smart
Daisy Cooper
Caroline Voaden
Charlie Maynard
Cameron Thomas
Mr Paul Kohler
Helen Maguire
Iqbal Mohamed
. To move the following Clause—
“Overseas electors: Review of feasibility of proposals for facilitating overseas
ballots
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish
and lay before both Houses of Parliament a report on proposals for facilitating
overseas electors to vote in parliamentary elections.
(2) The report must consider the feasibility of proposals for—
(a) the use of United Kingdom Embassies, High Commissions or consulates
as if they were a polling station asset out in Schedule 1 of RPA1983;
(b) the digital transmission and printing of ballot papers;
(c) voting by telephone;
(d) secure electronic voting;
(e) changes to deadlines and practices as set out in Schedule 1 of RPA1983
to enable earlier despatch of ballots for overseas voters;
(f) informing overseas voters on early registration and voting options;
(g) extended proxy voting arrangements for overseas voters; and
(h) any other measures to improve the speed, accuracy and security of
voting by overseas electors as the Secretary of State believes appropriate.
(3) In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) overseas electors;
(b) electoral administrators;
(c) His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service; and
(d) such other persons as the Secretary of State believe appropriate.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 8

(4) For the purpose of this section, an “overseas elector” is a person who fulfils
the requirements for an overseas elector in section 1 (extension of parliamentary
franchise) of the RPA 1985.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct feasibility studies on proposals to
improve overseas voting, as recommended by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs
Select Committee’s Second Report of Session 2024-6, Review of the 2024 general election.
_NC9 Siân Berry
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Voting eligibility of convicted persons in detention
(1) RPA 1983 is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (4).
(2) In section 3 (disfranchisement of offenders in prison etc.), for subsection (1)
substitute—
“(1) A convicted person, during the time that they are detained in a penal
institution in pursuance of a sentence imposed for a term exceeding
four years or unlawfully at large when they would otherwise be so
detained, is legally incapable of voting at any parliamentary or local
government election.”
(3) Omit subsection (1A).
(4) In subsection 1B for “1A” substitute “1”.”
Member's explanatory statement
The new clause seeks to extend the franchise at UK Parliamentary and local government elections
to include those serving a custodial sentence not exceeding four years and who would ordinarily be
eligible.
_NC10 Emily Darlington
Dame Chi Onwurah
Ms Polly Billington
Justin Madders
Jo White
Samantha Niblett
Richard BakerMike ReaderChris Curtis
Luke MyerCharlotte NicholsPaula Barker
Julia BuckleyDr Beccy CooperDr Allison Gardner
David Burton-SampsonDr Lauren SullivanJodie Gosling
Zöe FranklinLee PitcherPeter Swallow
Victoria CollinsDaniel FrancisDr Ellie Chowns
Cat EcclesJess Asato
9 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

. To move the following Clause—
“Guidance on the law relating to digital communication offences in relation to
elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish
and lay before both Houses of Parliament guidance on certain digital
communication offences, including digital manipulation and artificially
generated content in relation to candidates and elected officials.
(2) Any guidance issued under section (1) must include guidance on the following—
(a) the operation of section 106 (false statements as to candidates) of the
RPA 1983 in relation to digital communications;
(b) the operation of section 114A (undue influence) of the RPA 1983 in
relation to digital communications;
(c) the interaction between the operations of sections 106 and 114A of
the RPA 1983 and the duty of providers under the Online Safety Act
2023, including in relation to priority offences during election periods.
(3) Within 12 months of the publication of guidance under subsection (1) and
annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before
Parliament either—
(a) a statement that no updates to the guidance are required, or
(b) an updated version of the guidance.
(4) Before issuing—
(a) any guidance under subsection (1) or subsection (3) (b), or
(b) a statement under subsection (3)(a),
the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM and such other persons as they
think necessary.
(5) For the purposes of this section “priority offences” means an offence listed in
Schedule 7 (priority offences) of the Online Safety Act 2023.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Government to publish guidance on the operation of certain
offences relating to digital communications as they relate to candidates and elected officials.
_NC12 Matt Western
Sarah Champion
Andy Slaughter
Edward Morello
Luke Myer
Mike Martin
Lisa SmartDaniel Francis
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 10

. To move the following Clause—
“Controls on accepting donations in form of cryptoassets
(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is amended in
accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(2) After section 54 (permissible donors to registered parties) insert—
“54A Controls on accepting donations in form of cryptoassets
(1) A donation received by a registered party by way of a transfer of
cryptoassets to the party must not be accepted by the party unless the
donation meets requirements specified in regulations made by the
Commission.
(2) For the purposes of this section, section 52(2)(a) (minimum donation to
be disregarded) does not apply.
(3) Regulations made by the Commission may include requirements relating
to—
(a) the identity of the holder of the cryptoassets donated to the
registered party;
(b) the nationality and country of residence of the holder of the
cryptoassets donated to the registered party;
(c) the value of a donation that is to be disregarded for the purposes
of this section;
(d) the maximum value of the cryptoassets that may be donated to
a registered party;
(e) the original source of the funds that were transferred into the
cryptoassets donated to the registered party;
(f) any other matter that the Commission considers appropriate for
the purpose of improving the transparency of donations made
by way of a transfer of cryptoassets.
(4) In this section, “cryptoasset” means a cryptographically secured digital
representation of value or contractual rights that uses a form of
distributed ledger technology and can be transferred, stored or traded
electronically.
(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument
amend the definition of "cryptoasset" in subsection (4).
(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (5) may
not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and
approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”
(3) In Schedule 7 (controls on donations to individuals and members associations),
after paragraph 6 insert—
“6ZA Controls on accepting donations in form of cryptoassets
(1) A controlled donation received by a regulated donee by way of a
transfer of cryptoassets to the donee must not be accepted by the donee
11 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

unless the donation meets requirements specified in regulations made
by the Commission.
(2) For the purposes of this paragraph, paragraph 4(3)(b) (minimum
donation to be disregarded) does not apply.
(3) Regulations made by the Commission may include requirements relating
to—
(a) the identity of the holder of the cryptoassets donated to the
regulated donee;
(b) the nationality and country of residence of the holder of the
cryptoassets donated to the regulated donee;
(c) the value of a donation that is to be disregarded for the purposes
of this paragraph;
(d) the maximum value of the cryptoassets that may be donated to
a regulated donee;
(e) the original source of the funds that were transferred into the
cryptoassets donated to the regulated donee;
(f) any other matter that the Commission considers appropriate for
the purpose of improving the transparency of donations made
by way of a transfer of cryptoassets.
(4) In this paragraph, “cryptoasset” means a cryptographically secured
digital representation of value or contractual rights that uses a form of
distributed ledger technology and can be transferred, stored or traded
electronically.
(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument
amend the definition of "cryptoasset" in subsection (4).
(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under sub-paragraph (5)
may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before
and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”
(4) In the Representation of the People Act 1983 in Schedule 2A (controls on
donations to candidates), after paragraph 6 insert—
“6A Controls on accepting donations in form of cryptoassets
(1) A relevant donation received by a candidate or his election agent by
way of a transfer of cryptoassets must not be accepted unless the
donation meets requirements specified in regulations made by the
Commission.
(2) For the purposes of this paragraph, paragraph 4(2) (minimum donation
to be disregarded) does not apply.
(3) Regulations made by the Commission may include requirements relating
to—
(a) the identity of the holder of the cryptoassets donated to the
candidate or agent;
(b) the nationality and country of residence of the holder of the
cryptoassets donated to the candidate or agent;
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 12

(c) the value of a donation that is to be disregarded for the purposes
of this paragraph;
(d) the maximum value of the cryptoassets that may be donated to
a candidate or agent;
(e) the original source of the funds that were transferred into the
cryptoassets donated to the candidate or agent (including
information relating to any transactions between the original
source of the funds and the transfer of those funds into the
cryptoassets);
(f) any other matter that the Commission considers appropriate for
the purpose of improving the transparency of donations made
by way of a transfer of cryptoassets.
(4) In this section, “cryptoasset” means a cryptographically secured digital
representation of value or contractual rights that uses a form of
distributed ledger technology and can be transferred, stored or traded
electronically.
(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument
amend the definition of "cryptoasset" in subsection (4).
(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under sub-paragraph (5)
may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before
and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”
(5) This section comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed (and section
80 is to be construed accordingly).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause introduces controls on donations made by way of transfers of cryptoassets. Donations
or transfers would have to comply with requirements set out in regulations made by the Electoral
Commission in order to be accepted and would be prohibited until the Commission has made such
regulations.
_NC13 Chris Hinchliff
. To move the following Clause—
“Permissible donors not to include property development and construction
undertakings
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of PPERA 2000 and any other enactment, a
person is not a permissible donor to a registered party, recognised third party,
regulated donee or permitted participant if they meet the conditions in
subsections (2).
(2) The conditions in this subsection are that the person is a property development
or construction undertaking as defined under subsections (3) and (4).
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a person is a “property development or
construction undertaking” if they are a body corporate, partnership, limited
13 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

liability partnership, or unincorporated association, of such an undertaking
which carries out, whether wholly or substantially, activities consisting of—
(a) the acquisition, disposal, or development of land for commercial or
residential purposes,
(b) property speculation,
(c) the construction, renovation, or substantial alteration of buildings or
infrastructure, or
(d) the provision of construction services as a principal contractor,
and whose principal business activities fall within such Standard Industrial
Classification (SIC) codes as may be prescribed by regulations made by the
Secretary of State.
(4) Further to subsection (3), a “property development or construction
undertaking” includes—
(a) any person who is acting on behalf of a property development or
construction undertaking,
(b) any person who is funded either directly or indirectly by a property
development or construction undertaking, and
(c) any subsidiaries or holding companies of a property development or
construction undertaking.
(5) The Electoral Commission may issue guidance for the purposes of determining
whether an undertaking is a property development or construction
undertaking.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would mean that a property developer or construction undertaking would not be
a permissible donor to a registered party, recognised third party, regulated donee or permitted
participant.
_NC15 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Declaration of income or gifts from Foreign Governments
(1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.
(2) After rule 8 (consent to nomination) insert—
“Declaration of income or gifts from Foreign Governments
8A (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration
stating whether they have received in the past or are currently in receipt
of any income or gifts from—
(a) the government of any foreign nation, or
(b) any person or organisation connected to the government of any
foreign nation.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 14

(2) The declaration must be—
(a) in the prescribed form,
(b) signed by the person, and
(c) delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of
nomination papers.
(3) For the purposes of this rule, a person or organisation connected to the
government of any foreign nation mean anyone who has at anytime
been—
(a) a member of, or
(b) a politically-appointed adviser to a foreign administration.”
(3) In rule 6A (nomination papers: name of registered political party), at the end
insert—
“(4) A registered political party is under a duty to ensure that a candidate
has made the declaration required by rule 8A, and a certificate under
paragraph (1) or (1B) may not be issued by or on behalf of the registered
nominating officer of the party in respect of a candidate unless this
duty has been discharged.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require candidates to declare any income or gifts from foreign nations or
connected entities in order to be validly nominated. It also places a duty on political parties to ensure
their candidates have made this declaration before authorising them to stand on behalf of the party.
_NC16 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Annual statements on foreign donation risks and independent investigations
(1) Part 4 of PPERA 2000 (control of donations to registered parties and their
members etc) is amended as follows.
(2) After section 66 (Declaration by treasurer in donation report) insert—
“66A Annual statement on mitigation of foreign donation risks
(1) The treasurer of a registered party must, in respect of each calendar
year, prepare a statement setting out the steps taken by the party to
mitigate risks relating to donations originating from a foreign nation.
(2) The statement must be delivered to the Commission alongside the
party's statement of accounts for that year.
15 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

66B Annual independent investigation of donations by foreign-owned UK
entities
(1) A registered party must, in respect of each calendar year, arrange for
an independent investigation to be conducted into any donations
received by the party from a foreign-owned UK entity.
(2) A report of the independent investigation must be submitted to the
Commission by the treasurer of the party within six months of the end
of the calendar year to which it relates.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—
(a) the appointment and qualifications of an independent
investigator for the purposes of this section;
(b) the definition of a “foreign-owned UK entity”; and
(c) the required contents of the investigation report.
(4) Regulations under subsection (3) are subject to the affirmative resolution
procedure.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires registered political parties to produce an annual statement detailing how
they have mitigated risks relating to donations from foreign nations. It also requires parties to
commission an annual independent investigation into donations they receive from foreign-owned
UK entities, with the findings submitted to the Electoral Commission.
_NC17 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Payments from foreign state broadcasters to politicians and candidates
(1) Schedule 7 to PPERA 2000 (control of donations to individuals and members
associations) is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) After paragraph 6 insert—
“Prohibition on payments from foreign state broadcasters
6A (1) A regulated donor must not accept any payment, remuneration or other
financial benefit, whether or not on commercial terms, from a prescribed
foreign state broadcaster.
(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations proscribe a foreign state
broadcaster for the purposes of this paragraph where the Secretary of
State considers the broadcaster is acting on behalf of, or producing
propaganda for, a foreign power.
(3) For the purposes of this paragraph, a payment or benefit includes, but
is not limited to, remuneration for appearing on, hosting, or
contributing to broadcasts or programmes.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 16

(3) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as set out
in subsection (4).
(4) After rule 8 (consent to nomination) insert—
“Declaration of past earnings from foreign state broadcasters
8A (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration
stating whether they have received any past or current earnings,
payments or benefits from a foreign state broadcaster prescribed under
paragraph 6A of Schedule 7 to the Political Parties, Elections and
Referendums Act 2000.
(2) The declaration must be—
(a) in the prescribed form,
(b) signed by the person, and
(c) delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of
nomination papers.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause prohibits politicians (regulated donors) from receiving any payment from prescribed
foreign state broadcasters. It also amends the parliamentary election rules to require candidates
(including incumbent MPs) to formally declare any past earnings from these entities in order to be
validly nominated to stand for election.
_NC18 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Information to be included with electronic material: generative artificial
intelligence
(1) Section 41 of the Elections Act 2022 (requirement to include information with
electronic material) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (3)(b) insert—
“(c) where the electronic material consists of or includes image, audio
or video content that has been generated or materially altered
by means of generative artificial intelligence, a statement that
such artificial intelligence has been used.”
(2A) In this section, "generative artificial intelligence" means a machine-based
system that can, for a given set of human-defined prompts or objectives,
generate new image, audio or video content.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause amends the digital imprint rules in the Elections Act 2022 to require that any political
campaigning material which contains images, audio, or video generated or materially altered by AI
must include a statement that such artificial intelligence has been used.
17 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

_NC19 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Repeal of voter identification requirements
(1) In the Elections Act 2022 omit section 1 (voter identification).
(2) In the Elections Act 2022 omit Schedule 1.
(3) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.
(4) In rule 37 (voting procedure), omit paragraphs (1A) to (1G).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause repeals the provisions of the Elections Act 2022 that introduced the requirement
for voters in Great Britain to produce photographic identification at polling stations. It is linked to
Amendment 22.
_NC20 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Disclosure of past donations in cryptoassets
(1) Part 4 of PPERA 2000 (control of donations to registered parties and their
members etc) is amended as follows.
(2) After section 66 (declaration by treasurer in donation report) insert—
“66A Report on past donations involving cryptoassets
(1) The treasurer of a registered party must, within the period of six months
beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, prepare
a report under this section.
(2) The report must record the relevant details in relation to each donation
received by the party during the relevant 5-year period which was—
(a) made wholly or in part with cryptoassets; or
(b) accepted by means of a custodian wallet provider or cryptoasset
exchange provider.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the “relevant 5-year period” means
the period of 5 years ending with the day on which this section comes
into force.
(4) In this section, “the relevant details” in relation to a donation means—
(a) the name and address of the donor;
(b) the amount or value of the donation;
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 18

(c) the date on which the donation was received; and
(d) the date on which, and the way in which, any necessary steps
were taken regarding the donation under section 56 (acceptance
or return of donations: general).
(5) The report must be delivered to the Commission within the period of
14 days beginning with the end of the period mentioned in subsection
(1).
(6) In this section—
“Cryptoassets” has the meaning given by Regulation 14A(3)(a) of
the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds
(Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017;
“Custodian wallet provider” has the meaning given by Section
131ZC(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; “Cryptoasset
exchange provider” has the meaning given by Section 131ZC(3)
of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause amends PPERA 2000 to require registered political parties to compile and submit a
one-off report to the Electoral Commission detailing the source, value, and dates of any donations
made via cryptoassets, or accepted via crypto wallets/exchanges, over the past five years.
_NC22 Emily Darlington
Jess Asato
Cat Eccles
. To move the following Clause—
“Report on electoral online harms
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Electoral Commission must
publish a report on the prevention of electoral online harms.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “electoral online harms” includes —
(a) abuse and harassment of or threats directed towards elected
representatives, candidates, party campaigners and election officials,
or
(b) incitement to violence against any such individuals,
but not does not include mockery or insult, save where it forms part of a
campaign of harassment.
(3) Any report published under subsection (1) must contain—
(a) an assessment of the risks of electoral online harms, and
(b) proposals to put in place systems to mitigate those risks including
through amendment of the Online Safety Act 2023.
(4) Before publishing its report under subsection (1) the Electoral Commission
must consult—
(a) OFCOM, and
19 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(b) the National Police Chiefs Council.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to publish a report containing an assessment
of the risks of online electoral harms, and proposals to put in place systems to mitigate those risks.
_NC24 Emily Darlington
Dr Ellie Chowns
Jess Asato
Cat Eccles
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Hannah SpencerAdrian Ramsay
. To move the following Clause—
“Repository of digital political advertising
(1) The Elections Act 2022 is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) After section 61 insert—
“Part 6A Repository of digital political advertising
61A. Establishing a repository of digital political advertising
(1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations, make provision to require
the Electoral Commission to establish a repository of paid-for digital
political advertising.
(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must—
(a) provide for the repository of political advertising to be publicly
accessible;
(b) specify that a provider of a Category 1 service within the meaning
of the Online Safety Act 2023 must ensure that prescribed
information relating to such advertising is submitted to the
repository as soon as reasonably practicable, and, in any event,
within 72 hours;
(c) set out the types of information to be prescribed; and
(d) provide for material in the repository to be transferred to the
National Archives for preservation after a certain period.
(3) Before making any regulations that make provision for the matters
under subsection 2(c), the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the Electoral Commission;
(b) the Information Commissioner’s Office; and
(c) OFCOM.
(4) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must be laid before and
agreed by both Houses of Parliament.””
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 20

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Secretary of State to bring forward regulations to require the Electoral
Commission to establish a publicly available repository of political advertising.
_NC25 Emily Darlington
Dr Ellie Chowns
Jess Asato
Cat Eccles
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Hannah SpencerAdrian Ramsay
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Commission: powers to obtain information outside of a formal
investigation
(1) The Elections Act 2022 is amended as follows.
(2) After Schedule 12, insert—
“SCHEDULE 13: Electoral Commission powers to obtain information outside
of a formal investigation
1 The Secretary of State must, by regulations, make provision to allow
the Electoral Commission to issue a notice requiring certain
information from a regulated user-to-user service or search service,
at any time during any regulated election period.
2 Any regulations made under paragraph 1 must specify that a person
to whom a notice is given under this paragraph must comply with it
within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice.
3 Any regulations made under paragraph 2 must specify the information
which may be requested by the Electoral Commission, and include
the following where they relate to elections—
(a) information relating to paid-for political advertising;
(b) algorithmic systems;
(c) coordinated inauthentic behaviour; and
(d) automated or bot accounts (whether domestic or foreign).
4 Any regulations made under paragraph 2 must also provide for any
safeguards considered necessary by the Secretary of State as regards
data protection or commercial confidentiality.
5 Any regulations made under paragraph 2 must be laid before and
agreed by both Houses of Parliament.
6 For the purposes of this Schedule, “user-to-user service” has the
meaning given by section 3 (“user-to-user service” and “search
service”) of the Online Safety Act 2023.””
21 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

_NC26 Emily Darlington
Dr Ellie Chowns
Jess Asato
Cat Eccles
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Hannah SpencerAdrian Ramsay
. To move the following Clause—
“Critical election incident protocol
(1) The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the passing of this Act,
publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament, a Critical Election Incident
Protocol (“the Protocol”) for the purpose of responding to incidents that
present a significant risk to the integrity, security or public confidence of
elections.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a “Critical Election Incident” means any event,
threat or activity that poses a substantial risk to—
(a) the integrity, security or administration of an election;
(b) the ability of the public to freely participate in the electoral process; or
(c) public confidence in the fairness or legitimacy of an election.
(3) Before publishing the Protocol, the Secretary must consult the following on
its contents —
(a) relevant civil society organisations,
(b) relevant experts, and
(c) relevant regulators.
(4) Any Protocol published under subsection (1) must include—
(a) the establishment of an oversight body comprised of such senior
ministers and officials as the Secretary of State considers appropriate;
(b) the establishment of an advisory body of civil society and experts with
relevant expertise as the Secretary of State considers appropriate;
(c) criteria by which Critical Election Incidents are identified and the
Protocol is triggered;
(d) categories of severity of Critical Election Incidents based on their severity;
and
(e) details of differentiated responses to Critical Election Incidents for each
of the categories identified under subsection (d) which would be
necessary and proportionate.
(5) Any Protocol published under subsection (1) must be compatible with the
United Kingdom’s human rights obligations including but not limited to the
right to freedom of expression under article 10 of the European Convention
on Human Rights.
(6) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the operation
of the Protocol—
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 22

(a) one year after the publication of the Protocol under section (1) and
annually thereafter; and
(b) within three months of any occasion on which the Protocol has been
used.
(7) Any report published under subsection (5) must include—
(a) a description of activities undertaken in under the Protocol, subject to
any necessary limitations relating to national security or ongoing
investigations;
(b) information about consultation with the established oversight and
advisory bodies;
(c) an assessment of the impact of the Protocol on human rights and
democratic participation.
(8) Any report produced under subsection (1) must be sent to the Housing and
Local Government Committee of the House of Commons.
(9) In this section, references to Housing and Local Government Committee shall—
(a) if the name of that Committee is changed, be taken (subject to
paragraph (b)) to be references to the Committee by its new name;
(b) if the functions of that Committee at the passing of this Act with respect
to matters relating to Protocol become functions of a different
committee of the House of Commons, be taken to be references to the
committee by whom the functions for the time being exercisable.”
_NC27 Emily Darlington
Jess Asato
Cat Eccles
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Government review of the “regulated periods” in relation to elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act,
commission a review of the adequacy of the current regulated periods for
elections and referendums.
(2) The review must consider the following—
(a) the impact of campaign activity outside the relevant regulated period
on elections;
(b) whether the length of the regulated periods are sufficient to tackle the
prevalence of—
(i) manipulated content,
(ii) misinformation,
(iii) disinformation,
and their potential influence on elections.
(3) The review may make any recommendations it feels necessary for legislative
or regulatory reform as a result of its findings.
23 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(4) For the purposes of this section, “campaign activity” includes—
(a) digital campaigning;
(b) targeted advertising; and
(c) automated content distribution.
(5) For the purposes of this section “regulated period” means any period regulated
under the Representation of the People Act 1983.
(6) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the review before both Houses of
Parliament, together with their response to any recommendations for legislative
or regulatory reform.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the government to establish a review of the “regulated periods” in relation
to elections which would consider whether the length of the regulated periods are sufficient in
relation to the prevalence of manipulated content, misinformation and disinformation.
_NC28 Emily Darlington
Jess Asato
Cat Eccles
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Information to be included with electronic material: data provenance
After Section 41 (requirement to include information with electronic material)
of the Elections Act 2022 insert—
“Requirement to include information with electronic material created
through generative artificial intelligence
(1) This section applies to electronic material which—
(a) meets the conditions in section 42 (paid for electronic material),
or
(b) meets the conditions in section 44 (other electronic material),
and has been generated wholly through generative artificial intelligence.
(2) Electronic material to which this section applies must not be published
unless it includes the following information—
(a) a statement that content was wholly generated by a generative
artificial intelligence system;
(b) the name of the system used to generate the content.
(3) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, specify—
(a) additional requirements for information to be required under
subsection (2);
(b) the form in which the information required under subsection
(2) is to be provided.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 24

(4) The form prescribed by regulations under subsection (3)(b) must be a
form which can be detected and processed by regulated user-to-user
services for the purpose of providing the required information to users
of such services.
(5) Any regulations made under subsection (4) must be laid before and
agreed by both Houses of Parliament.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “generative artificial intelligence”
means computer system or software that—
(a) is capable of producing text, images, audio, video, or other
content autonomously, wholly or substantially, based on prompts
or instructions provided by a user;
(b) uses machine learning or other algorithmic techniques to
generate content that mimics human-created material; and
(c) may produce content that is not pre-existing but is synthesized
based on patterns learned from existing data.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires campaign material which has been generated by generative artificial
intelligence to include a statement to that effect along with the name of the system used. It creates
a power for the Government to make regulations about the information to be included.
_NC29 Manuela Perteghella
. To move the following Clause—
“Extension of right to vote etc. to certain foreign nationals
(1) The RPA 1983 is amended as set out in subsections (2) and (3).
(2) In section 1 (parliamentary electors), in subsection (1)(c), after “Ireland,” insert
“a qualifying EU citizen, or a qualifying foreign national”.
(3) In section 2 (local government electors)
(a) in subsection (1)(c) leave out “(in Wales)”
(b) in subsection (1)(c)(i), after “rights” insert “or a qualifying foreign
citizen;”.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would extend the franchise in parliamentary elections to include qualifying EU
citizens and to foreign nationals with a right to enter or remain in the UK, and to extend the local
government franchise in England to foreign citizens with a right to enter or remain in the UK.
_NC30 Manuela Perteghella
Dr Ellie Chowns
25 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

. To move the following Clause—
“Cap on political donations
(1) Part 4 of PPERA 2000 (control of donations to registered parties and their
members etc) is amended as follows.
(2) After section 54B (Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied)
insert—
“54C Power to set cap on political donations
(1) A registered party must not accept a donation from a person if the
value of donations from that person during the course of that calendar
year exceeds the maximum amount specified by regulations made under
subsection (3).
(2) Where a registered party receives a donation which would cause the
limit for the purposes of subsection (1) to be exceeded, the amount by
which the limit is exceeded is to be treated for the purposes of this Act
as a donation received from a person who is not a permissible donor.
(3) The Secretary of State must by regulations specify the donation limit
for the purposes of subsection (1) within three months of the day on
which this act is passed.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may
not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and
approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
(5) Before laying a draft statutory instrument containing regulations under
this section, the Secretary of State must commission an independent
review of the level of the cap on political donations.
(6) The review must consider and make recommendations on the level of
the cap in light of—
(a) the prevailing economic conditions;
(b) the effect of the cap on democratic participation and political
competition; and
(c) any other matters the Secretary of State considers relevant.
(7) The Secretary of State must appoint an independent person or panel
with relevant experience to conduct the review.
(8) The person or panel appointed under subsection (7) must—
(a) consult the Electoral Commission and any other persons the
person or panel considers relevant; and
(b) prepare and publish a report of its findings.
(9) The Secretary of State must lay the report under subsection (9)(b) before
both Houses of Parliament as soon as practicable after receiving it.
(10) No later than three years after a report under subsection (10) has been
laid the Secretary of State must commission a new review under
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 26

subsection (5) for the purposes of determining whether the cap under
subsection (1) should be amended.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Secretary of State to set an annual cap on permissible political donations
from a person, following an independent review to be conduct every three years.
_NC31 Zöe Franklin
Helen Maguire
Steve Darling
Sarah Dyke
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Access to Elected Office Fund (England)
(1) RPA 1983 is amended as follows.
(2) After Section 90D insert—
“90E Access to Elected Office Fund (England)
(1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations, require the Electoral
Commission to establish a fund to be known as the Access to Elected
Office Fund (England) ("the Fund").
(2) The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to disabled
candidates standing for election in England, including providing
assistance to meet any additional campaign costs incurred by the
candidate as a result of their disability.
(3) Regulations under this section may specify—
(a) criteria for eligibility for financial assistance;
(b) types of expenditure for which financial assistance may be
provided; and
(c) the value of financial assistance available to an individual
candidate.
(4) Before making any regulations under subsection (1) the Secretary of
State must consult—
(a) disabled people;
(b) political parties;
(c) relevant charities and civil society organisations; and
(d) the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
(5) For the purposes of this section, “disability” has the meaning given
under section (6) (disability) of the Equality Act 2010.
(6) Any regulations made under this section must not be made unless a
draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House
of Parliament.””
27 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Secretary of State to require the Electoral Commission to establish a
fund to provide financial assistance to disabled candidates standing for election in England, thereby
bringing England in line with Scotland and Wales who have existing statutory funds.
_NC32 Neil Duncan-Jordan
. To move the following Clause—
“Restrictions on permitted donors: public contracts
(1) Section 54 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
(permissible donors) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) An individual who would otherwise fall within subsection (2)(a) is not
a permissible donor if that individual—
(a) has significant control of a company which has been awarded a
public contract within the previous ten years, or
(b) has significant control of a company which is a parent
undertaking or subsidiary undertaking of a company falling
within paragraph (a).
(2B) A company which would otherwise fall within subsection (2)(b) is not
a permissible donor if that company—
(a) has been awarded a public contract within the previous ten
years, or
(b) is a parent undertaking or subsidiary undertaking of a company
falling within paragraph (a).”
(3) After subsection (8) insert—
“(9) In this section—
“public contract” has the meaning given by section 3 (public
contracts) of the Procurement Act 2023;
“significant control” has the meaning given by section 790C (key
terms) of the Companies Act 2006;
“parent undertaking” and “subsidiary undertaking” have the
meanings given by section 1162 (parent and subsidiary
undertakings) of the Companies Act 2006.””
_NC33 Lisa Smart
. To move the following Clause—
“Impact of the Act on trust in elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish
and lay before both Houses of Parliament a report into the impact of the Act's
provisions on trust in elections.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 28

(2) Any report made under subsection (1) must make proposals on any further
measures required to increase trust in elections.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "trust in elections" includes public confidence
in the fairness of elections, the voting systems used, and the representativeness
of election results.
(4) In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the Electoral Commission;
(b) the Scottish Ministers;
(c) the Welsh Ministers;
(d) the relevant Northern Ireland department; and
(e) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.”
_NC34 Zöe Franklin
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Commencement of Section 106 of the Equality Act 2010
The Secretary of State must, within three months of the day on which this Act
is passed, lay an order under section 216 (commencement) of the Equality Act
2010 to commence section 106 (information about diversity in range of
candidates, etc.) of that Act.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commence section 106 of the Equality Act
2010 within three months, which would require political parties to publish information on the
protected characteristics of candidates in parliamentary elections, elections to the Scottish Parliament
and to the Senedd.
_NC35 Zöe Franklin
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Commission: Publication of information about diversity in range of
candidates
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) After Section 13A (reimbursement of costs by Scottish Ministers etc.) insert—
“13ZAA Collection and publication of information about diversity in range of
candidates
(1) The Commission shall collect information published under section 106
(information about diversity in range of candidates, etc.) of the Equality
Act 2010.
29 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(2) The Commission shall publish the information collected under subsection
(1) in an accessible form at such intervals as the Commissioners consider
appropriate.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to collect and publish in an accessible form
diversity information required to be provided by political parties under section 106 of the Equality
Act 2010.
_NC36 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Statutory guidance on suspected breaches of the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Electoral Commission must
prepare draft guidance for Returning Officers on enforcing the provisions of
the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
(2) Once the Commission has prepared draft guidance under this section, it must
submit it to the Secretary of State.
(3) Within 28 days of receipt the draft ballot secrecy guidance, the Secretary of
State must lay before each House of Parliament a copy of the draft guidance,
either—
(a) in its original form, or
(b) in a form which incorporates any modifications that the Secretary of
State considers necessary.
(4) If the draft guidance incorporates any such modifications, the Secretary of
State must at the same time lay before each House a statement of the Secretary
of State’s reasons for making them.
(5) If, within the 40-day period, either House resolves not to approve the draft
guidance, the Secretary of State must take no further steps in relation to the
draft guidance.
(6) Subsection (5) does not prevent new draft guidance from being laid before
Parliament.
(7) If no resolution of the kind mentioned in subsection (5) is made within the
40-day period—
(a) the Secretary of State must issue the guidance in the form of the draft
laid before Parliament,
(b) the Commission must arrange for the guidance to be published in such
manner as it considers appropriate, and
(c) the guidance comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State
may by regulations appoint.
(8) The Commission—
(a) may from time to time prepare draft revised guidance under this section,
and
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 30

(b) must prepare draft revised guidance under this section if directed to
do so by the Secretary of State.
(9) References in this section (other than in subsection (1)) to guidance or draft
guidance include revised guidance or draft revised guidance.
(10) In this section “the 40-day period”, in relation to draft guidance, means—
(a) if the draft is laid before one House on a day later than the day on
which it is laid before the other House, the period of 40 days beginning
with the later of the two days, and
(b) in any other case, the period of 40 days beginning with the day on
which the draft is laid before each House,
no account being taken of any period during which Parliament is dissolved or
prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than four
days.
(11) Returning Officers must have regard to guidance issued under this section in
exercising their functions.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to prepare, and Parliament to approve,
statutory guidance to Returning Officers on the enforcement of the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
_NC37 Paul Holmes
James McMurdock
. To move the following Clause—
“Language of campaign materials
(1) During the relevant period campaign material must not be promoted or
published in a foreign language.
(2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person causes campaign material to be
promoted or published that falls within subsection (1).
(3) For the purposes of this section—
“campaign material” means imprinted election campaign material
published by political parties and candidates, whether in hard copy or
digital format;
“foreign language” means a native language of any foreign country
outside the British Islands, other than English;
“relevant period” means the period specified in period as specified in
section 90ZA of the RPA 1983.
(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
(a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to a fine;
(b) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland to a fine not
exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
31 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection () to
prove—
(a) that the person took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence,
to ensure that the campaign material was not promoted or published
contrary to subsection (1), and
(b) that the contravention arose from circumstances beyond the person’s
control.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would ban election materials published in a foreign language by political parties
and candidates during the short campaign. It would not ban campaigning in native languages of
the British Islands such as in English, Welsh, Cornish, Ulster Scots, Irish, et al. Nor would it prevent
campaigning via the likes of BSL or Braille.
_NC38 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Permissible donors: foreign citizens
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In Section 54 after paragraph (2) insert—
“(2AA) For the purposes of this section, subject to the exemptions in section
(2AB), an “individual registered in an electoral register” does not include
a person who is on a register by virtue of being a “qualifying foreign
citizen” for the purposes of—
(a) Section 2 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act
2021, or
(b) Section 1 of the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation)
Act 2020.
(2AB) The exemptions in this subsection are that the person is on an electoral
register because they are—
(a) a qualified Commonwealth citizen,
(b) a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or
(c) a citizen of the European Union who would be eligible to vote
in local elections under the English and Northern Ireland
franchise.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause prevents people who are on electoral registers because they fulfil certain conditions
in the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and the Scottish Elections (Franchise and
Representation) Act 2020 from being permissible donors but are not qualifying Commonwealth,
Irish, or EU citizens.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 32

_NC39 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Mitigating the risk of foreign interference in political donations
Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish
a consultation paper on how Government will enhance information-sharing
between relevant agencies and public bodies and registered political parties
to help to identify and mitigate the risk of foreign interference in political
donations that are regulated by electoral law.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Secretary of State to consult on how to enhance information
sharing between relevant public bodies or agencies and political parties to minimise the risk of
foreign interference in political donations.
_NC40 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Expired postal votes
(1) The Representation of the People Act 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In Schedule 4, paragraph 3 (Absent vote at elections for a period) after
sub-paragraph (5) insert—
“(5A) In the case of a person whose entitlement to vote by post at elections
of the kind in question has expired, the registration officer shall make
available, upon request from a registered political party, that person’s
details as supplied to the registration officer in his application to vote
by proxy at parliamentary elections.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would give registered political parties access to data on expired postal votes.
_NC41 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Commission: civil penalties and enforcement
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) In Schedule 19C, in paragraph 1, after sub-paragraph (1) insert—
“(1A) When deciding whether to impose a fixed monetary penalty under this
Act, the Commission must have regard to whether the penalty will—
(a) change the behaviour of the offender;
(b) eliminate any financial gain or benefit from non-compliance;
33 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(c) be appropriate for the particular offender and regulatory issue;
(d) be proportionate to the nature of the offence and the harm
caused;
(e) restore the harm caused by regulatory non-compliance, where
appropriate; and
(f) deter future non-compliance.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would put the ‘Macrory principles’ for regulators on to a statutory footing as regards
the Electoral Commission.
_NC42 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Overseas electors: reform to voting process
(1) The Secretary of State, must, by regulations, make provision to enable overseas
voters to vote in person at a United Kingdom Embassy, High Commission or
consulate at United Kingdom parliamentary elections.
(2) For the purpose of this section, an “overseas elector” is a person who fulfils
the requirements for an overseas elector in section 1 (extension of parliamentary
franchise) of the RPA 1985.
(3) Regulations made under subsection (1) may amend provision made by or under
any other Act as necessary.
(4) Any regulations made under this section must not be made unless a draft has
been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Secretary of State make provision by regulations so that overseas
electors can vote in person at United Kingdom embassies, consulates and high commissions for
United Kingdom parliamentary elections.
_NC43 Paul Holmes
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Register: British Nationals Abroad
(1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, introduce a system to give overseas
electors the option to register to vote when they renew their British passport
online.
(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must be made under the affirmative
procedure.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 34

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would allow the Secretary of State to regulate to introduce a system to allow overseas
electors the ability to register to vote when they renew their passport online.
_NC44 Zöe Franklin
. To move the following Clause—
“Report on proposals to support the extension of the franchise to 16- and 17-
year-olds
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish
a report on proposals to support the extension of the franchise to 16- and 17-
year-olds under this Act.
(2) The report published under subsection (1) must include consideration of
proposals to—
(a) promote awareness among relevant persons of the extension of the
franchise; and
(b) make any necessary changes required to strengthen civic education in
schools and educational settings available to relevant persons.
(3) For the purposes of this section, relevant persons are children and young people
who—
(a) are enfranchised as a result of section (1) of this Act; or
(b) are entitled to be registered as a parliamentary or local government
elector before reaching voting age as a result of section (3) of this Act.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay the report before both Houses of Parliament.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Government to report on proposals to support the extension of the
franchise to 16 and 17 year olds, through promoting awareness or making changes required to
strengthen civic education.
_NC45 Matt Western
Mike Martin
Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Permissible electors to include overseas electors with previous tax residence
etc
(1) Section 54 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
(permissible donors) is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (2)(a), at end insert “(but this is subject to subsection (2ZA))”.
35 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(3) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2ZA) An individual registered in an electoral register who at the date of a
donation qualifies as an overseas elector in respect of a constituency is
only a permissible donor for the purposes of this Part if—
(a) the individual was at any time resident in the UK for tax
purposes,
(b) the individual has a Unique Taxpayer Reference, and
(c) the individual holds funds or assets that may be charged to tax
in the United Kingdom that are at least equivalent to the value
of the donation.
(2ZB) For the purposes of subsection (2ZA)—
(a) whether a person qualifies as an overseas elector is to be
determined in accordance with section 1A of the Representation
of the People Act 1985;
(b) whether a person was at any time resident in the UK for tax
purposes is to be determined in accordance with Schedule 45 to
the Finance Act 2013.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause limits permissible donors who are overseas electors to those who have previously
been resident in the UK for tax purposes, have a Unique Taxpayer Reference and holds funds or
assets that may be taxed in the UK which have a value of at least the amount to be donated.
_NC46 Matt Western
Mike Martin
Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Power of Electoral Commission to require disclosure from financial institutions
In Schedule 19B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
(investigatory powers of Commission), after paragraph 1 insert—
“Power to require disclosure from financial institutions
1A (1) The Commission may give a disclosure notice to a financial institution
requiring the institution—
(a) to produce, for inspection by the Commission or a person
authorised by the Commission, any documents which—
(i) relate to the income and expenditure of an
organisation or individual to which paragraph 1 applies,
and
(ii) are reasonably required by the Commission for the
purposes of carrying out their functions; or
(b) to provide the Commission, or a person authorised by the
Commission, with any information or explanation which relates
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 36

to that income and expenditure and is reasonably required
by the Commission for those purposes.
(2) A financial institution to whom a disclosure notice is given shall
comply with it within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice.
(3) In this paragraph, “financial institution” has the same meaning as in
Schedule 6 to the Terrorism Act 2000 (see paragraph 6 of that
Schedule).””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause gives the Electoral Commission the power to require information from a financial
institution relating to the income and expenditure of political parties and associated individuals.
_NC47 Matt Western
Mike Martin
Lisa Smart
. To move the following Clause—
“Commencement of section 9(2) of the Political Parties and Elections Act 2009
(1) Within three months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must
exercise the power in section 43(1) of the Political Parties and Elections Act
2009 to bring into force section 9(2) of that Act (declaration as to source of
donation).
(2) This section comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed (and section
80 is to be construed accordingly).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Secretary of State to exercise the power to commence section 9(2) of
the Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 which inserts section 54A into the Political Parties, Elections
and Referendums Act 2000, which requires declarations to be provided as to the source of donations.
_NC48 Matt Western
Mike Martin
Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Offences relating to election expense returns: reduction in threshold
(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 83 (declaration by treasurer as to return relating to campaign
expenditure), in subsection (3)(a), for “knowingly or recklessly makes” substitute
“knows or suspects, or has reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting, that
he is making”.
37 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(3) In section 123 (declaration of responsible person as to return relating to
referendum expenditure), in subsection (4)(a), for “knowingly or recklessly
makes” substitute “knows or suspects, or has reasonable grounds for knowing
or suspecting, that he is making”.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause reduces the threshold for two offences in the Political Parties, Elections and
Referendums Act 2000 so that where false declarations are provided in relation to election expenses
an offence is committed if they have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that they are
making a false declaration.
_NC49 Matt Western
Mike Martin
. To move the following Clause—
“Declaration as to source of donation: reduction in amount
In section 54A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
(declaration as to source of donation)—
(a) in subsection (1), for “£7,500” substitute “£500”;
(b) in subsection (2)(B), for “£7,500” substitute “£500”.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require any donation above £500 to be accompanied by a declaration as to
its source (rather than the current minimum of £7,500).
_NC50 Matt Western
Mike Martin
Lisa Smart
. To move the following Clause—
“Penalties for false declarations
(1) Schedule 20 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
(penalties) is amended as follows.
(2) In the entry for section 54A(5) (making a false declaration as to source of
donation), in the second column, for “1 year” substitute “3 years”.
(3) In the entry for section 83(3)(a) (making a false declaration to Commission
when delivering return), in the second column, for “1 year” substitute “3
years”.
(4) In the entry for section 123(4)(a) (making a false declaration to Commission
when delivering return), in the second column, for “1 year” substitute “3
years”.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 38

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause raises the maximum penalties for submitting false declarations from 1 year’s
imprisonment upon conviction on indictment to 3 years’ imprisonment upon conviction on indictment.
_NC51 Matt Western
Mike Martin
Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Annual report regarding foreign interference in political funding
(1) The Electoral Commission and the National Crime Agency must each produce
and publish an annual report about—
(a) the risk of foreign interference in relation to controlled donations, and
(b) the adequacy of any systems designed to address risks of foreign
interference in relation to controlled donations.
(2) The Electoral Commission and the National Crime Agency must send a copy of
the report to the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of State must lay it
before Parliament.
(3) In this section—
“controlled donation” means—
(i) a donation to a registered party, individual or members
association that is subject to Part 4 of the Political Parties,
Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and
(ii) a donation to a candidate or their agent that is subject to
Schedule 2A of the Representation of the People Act 1983;
“foreign interference” includes the commission of a relevant electoral
offence to which section 16 of the National Security Act 2023 applies
(foreign interference in elections).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission and the National Crime Agency to make
annual reports about the risks of foreign interference in the UK’s political finance system and the
adequacy of systems in place to address those risks.
_NC52 Richard Burgon
. To move the following Clause—
“Permissible donors not to include oil and gas companies
(1) Section 54 of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors) is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (2)(b) after “Kingdom” insert “, subject to the exemption in
subsection (2A).”
39 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(3) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) A company is not a permissible donor if it is an oil and gas company.”
(4) After subsection (8) insert—
“(9) For the purposes of this section, “an oil and gas company” means any
company which derives over 50% of its annual revenue from the
extraction, acquisition, transportation, processing, supply or disposal
of petroleum or natural gas, or a combination of the two.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause provides that an oil and gas company would not be a permissible donor for the
purposes of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
_NC53 Zöe Franklin
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Commission: pre-investigation decision notices
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) In Schedule 19B, paragraph 3, subparagraph (5), at end insert—
“or;
(b) relevant to determining whether to start an investigation.””
Member's explanatory statement
This would enable the Electoral Commission to require information before launching a formal
investigation.
_NC54 Lisa Smart
Helen Maguire
. To move the following Clause—
“Proposals for a Royal Commission on political donations and campaign
expenditure
(1) Within three months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must
publish proposals for the establishment of a Royal Commission to consider—
(a) the merits of a cap on political donations, and the level at which such
a cap should be set, and
(b) the effectiveness of existing limits on campaign expenditure, including
the appropriateness of the time period during which those limits apply.
(2) Proposals published under this section must include proposals for the Royal
Commission’s—
(a) terms of reference,
(b) membership, and
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 40

(c) funding.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a Royal Commission to
consider a cap on political donations and the effectiveness of existing campaign expenditure limits.
_NC55 Zöe Franklin
. To move the following Clause—
“Hostility towards relatives and staff of candidates etc.
(1) Part 5 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification of offenders for holding
elective office etc.) is amended as follows.
(2) After section 32 (candidates etc.) insert—
“32A Relatives and staff of candidates
(1) A person falls within this section if the person is—
(a) a relative; or
(b) a member of staff;
of a person described in section 32 (candidates etc.).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1a) “relative” has the meaning given
by section 63(1) of the Family Law Act 1996.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1b) “member of staff” means a person
who is employed by or working under the direction of a person
described in section 32 (candidates etc.).””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would, with Amendment 38, add relatives and staff of candidates to the persons
against which hostility may lead to a disqualification order and for the purposes of a statutory
aggravating factor.
_NC56 Zöe Franklin
. To move the following Clause—
“Duty of Electoral Commission to provide candidate safety guidance
(1) The Electoral Commission must, within 6 months of the passing of this Act,
prepare and publish guidance on the safety and security of candidates and
campaigners during election periods.
(2) The guidance must include information about—
(a) identifying, recording and reporting threats, abuse and intimidation;
(b) physical and online security measures; and
(c) the roles of the police, the Electoral Commission and any other relevant
public authority in relation to candidate safety during an election period.
41 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(3) The Electoral Commission must keep the guidance under review and revise it
whenever it considers appropriate.
(4) A returning officer must provide each validly nominated candidate with a copy
of, or an electronic link to, the guidance as soon as reasonably practicable after
the candidate’s nomination is accepted.
(5) For the purposes of this section, “election periods” means the period specified
in section 90ZA (meaning of “election expense” of the RPA 1983).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause places a duty on the Electoral Commission to publish and maintain candidate safety
guidance, and requires returning officers to provide it to candidates as soon as possible after their
nomination has been accepted.
_NC57 Dr Ellie Chowns
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Adrian Ramsay
Hannah Spencer
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Commission fining power
(1) Schedule 1, paragraph 5, to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums
(Civil Sanctions) Order 2010 is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) For “is £20,000”, substitute “is the greater of—
£500,000, or (a)
(b) 4% of the total campaign expenditure incurred by the person or
organisation during the relevant regulated period.”
(3) At end of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 16 of Schedule 19C to PPERA 2000
insert—
“(1A) Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may only
make a supplementary order which amends the percentage of
campaign expenditure incurred by the person or organisation during
the relevant regulated period which can be used as a maximum
monetary penalty by the Electoral Commission, if the condition in
sub-paragraph (1B) has been met.
(1B) The condition in this sub-paragraph is that a recommendation for
the amendment has been made to the Secretary of State by the
Electoral Commission following consultation with the Ethics and
Integrity Commission.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause amends the Electoral Commission’s power to fine, increasing its maximum from
£20,000 to £500,000 or 4% of campaign spending, whichever is higher. It further prevents the
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 42

percentage used being changed through Order unless a recommendation has been made by the
Electoral Commission following consultation with the Ethics and Integrity Commission.
_NC58 Dr Ellie Chowns
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Adrian Ramsay
Hannah Spencer
. To move the following Clause—
“Review of how limits on campaign expenditure could apply on annual basis
(1) The Electoral Commission must conduct a review of how campaign expenditure
limits could apply on an annual basis for political parties, candidates and third
parties.
(2) The review must consider how annual campaign expenditure limits could—
(a) promote transparency and fairness in elections;
(b) limit the risk of foreign interference in elections; and
(c) be implemented in a proportionate manner without undue impact on
political parties, candidates and third parties.
(3) In conducting the review, the Electoral Commission must consult the Speaker’s
Committee on the Electoral Commission and the Ethics and Integrity
Commission.
(4) The Electoral Commission must publish a report of its findings no later than 6
months after the day on which this Act is passed.
(5) The Secretary of State must, within 6 months of the publication of the report,
lay before both Houses of Parliament, a response to the report.
(6) The response to the report must contain proposals informed by the Electoral
Commission’s report.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to conduct a review of how campaign
expenditure limits could apply on an annual basis for political parties, candidates and third parties,
and for the Government to respond to the report and bring forward proposals based on the Electoral
Commission’s findings.
_NC59 Luke Myer
Dr Ellie Chowns
Hannah Spencer
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Adrian Ramsay
43 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

. To move the following Clause—
“Offence of misleading the public by candidates in parliamentary elections
(1) A person standing as a candidate in a parliamentary election commits an
offence if—
(a) they act with the intention of misleading the public or are reckless as
to whether their act will do so, and
(b) they know, or ought to know, that their act is seriously improper.
(2) For the purposes of this section an act is seriously improper only if—
(a) it meets the condition in subsection (3), and
(b) a reasonable person would consider it to be seriously improper, taking
account of all the circumstances of the case.
(3) The condition mentioned in subsection (2)(a) is that the act—
(a) involved dishonesty that was significant or repeated (whether by means
of falsehood, concealment, obfuscation or otherwise) in respect of
matters of significant concern to the public, or
(b) caused, or contributed to causing, harm to one or more other persons,
or had the potential to do so.
(4) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—
(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
12 months or a fine (or both),
(b) on summary conviction—
(i) in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both),
(ii) in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months
or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both), and
(iii) in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or
both).
(5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to show
that they otherwise had a reasonable excuse for their act.
(6) In this section—
“candidate” in relation to an election, means a candidate standing
nominated at the election or included in a list of candidates submitted
in connection with it;
“the public” means the public in the United Kingdom.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause creates a new offence of misleading the public by candidates in a parliamentary
election campaign.
_NC61 Justin Madders
Dr Ellie Chowns
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 44

. To move the following Clause—
“Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning
(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish a Code of Conduct for
Political Campaigning (“the Campaign Code”).
(2) The Campaign Code must set out principles and guidance relating to political
campaigning and must in particular include provisions relating to—
(a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters,
and
(b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.
(3) In this section “political campaigning” means any conduct, communications
or other activity which can reasonably be regarded as intended, directly or
indirectly, to influence public support for, or opposition to—
(a) a registered political party,
(b) a candidate or prospective candidate at a general election, by-election,
local election or mayoral election, or
(c) an outcome in a referendum.
(4) Before preparing or revising the Campaign Code, the Electoral Commission
must carry out such consultation as it considers appropriate and must in
particular consult—
(a) representatives of parties appointed to the Parliamentary Parties Panel
in accordance with section 4 (parliamentary parties panel) of the Political
Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and
(b) such other persons as the Electoral Commission considers appropriate.
(5) The Electoral Commission may revise the Campaign Code from time to time,
and subsections (1) to (4) apply to a revised Campaign Code as they apply to
the original.
(6) Electoral advertising as defined in this Part is regulated under the Electoral
Advertising Code of Practice and subject to enforcement by the Electoral
Advertising Code Committee.
(7) This Part applies in relation to elections and referendums for which provision
may be made by an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would establish a Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning. It is connected to NC62
to NC64. The reference in this new clause to “this Part” is a reference to a new Part which would be
formed of NC62 to NC64.
_NC62 Justin Madders
Dr Ellie Chowns
45 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Advertising Code of Practice
(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish an Electoral Advertising
Code of Practice (“the Advertising Code”).
(2) The Advertising Code must include principles and guidance relating to electoral
advertising and must in particular include provisions relating to—
(a) ensuring the accuracy of factual claims,
(b) the need for relevant and reliable evidence to substantiate factual
claims,
(c) the need to clearly identify the political party affiliated with an advert,
(d) transparency in the use of artificial intelligence, and
(e) issuing prompt public corrections to address mistakes.
(3) In this section “electoral advertising” means any factual claims in marketing
communications, whenever published or distributed, whose principal function
is to influence voters in a local, regional, national or international election or
referendum.
(4) Before preparing or revising the Advertising Code, the Electoral Commission
must carry out such consultation as it considers appropriate and must in
particular consult—
(a) the Electoral Advertising Code Committee,
(b) representatives of parties appointed to the Parliamentary Parties Panel
in accordance with section 4 of the Political Parties, Elections and
Referendums Act 2000, and
(c) such other persons as the Electoral Commission considers appropriate.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to produce an Electoral Advertising Code
of Practice. It is connected to NC61, NC63 and NC64.
_NC63 Justin Madders
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Advertising Code Committee
(1) The Electoral Commission must establish an Electoral Advertising Code
Committee (“the Committee”).
(2) The functions of the Committee are—
(a) to advise the Electoral Commission on the preparation and revision of
the Advertising Code,
(b) to adjudicate on alleged breaches of the Advertising Code, and
(c) to oversee the operation of and monitor the effectiveness of the
Advertising Code.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 46

(3) In exercising functions under this Part, the Committee must have regard to
the importance of freedom of political expression and open democratic debate,
and will not determine matters of political opinion unless they fall within the
scope of factual claims in electoral advertising.
(4) The Committee is to consist of—
(a) a Chair,
(b) a member nominated by the Electoral Commission,
(c) a member nominated by the Advertising Standards Authority or its
successor body,
(d) a member nominated by the Office of Communications, and
(e) a member nominated by the United Kingdom Statistics Authority.
(5) Nothing in this Part limits the powers of the bodies identified in subsection (4)
under any other enactment.
(6) The Chair is to be appointed by the Electoral Commission following a fair and
open competition conducted in accordance with the Public Appointments
Code, with a majority of independent members on the assessment panel and
a senior independent panel member.
(7) The appointment of the Chair requires the consent of the Speaker’s Committee
on the Electoral Commission, which must not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed.
(8) In making the appointment, the Electoral Commission must have regard to
the need to secure the independence of the Committee.
(9) A person appointed as Chair holds office—
(a) for a single non-renewable term of five years from the date of
appointment, and
(b) in accordance with terms and conditions (including as to remuneration
and pension) specified by the Electoral Commission.
(10) The Chair may resign from office by giving written notice to the Electoral
Commission.
(11) The Electoral Commission must pay to the Committee the sums determined
by the Chair as appropriate for, or in connection with, the carrying out of the
Committee’s functions.
(12) The Secretary of State must, within the period of 6 months beginning with the
day on which this Act is passed, carry out a consultation on a levy on registered
political parties’ election advertising spend for the purpose of funding the
Electoral Advertising Code Committee.
(13) In carrying out the consultation, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the Electoral Commission,
(b) representatives of registered political parties, and
(c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.”
47 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to establish an Electoral Advertising Code
Committee. It is connected to NC61, NC62 and NC64.
_NC64 Justin Madders
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“Status of the Campaign Code and enforcement of the Advertising Code
(1) Persons engaged in political campaigning must have regard to the Campaign
Code.
(2) A registered political party must prepare, publish and keep under review a
code of conduct relating to its political campaigning.
(3) A code under subsection (2) must be consistent with the Campaign Code and
must in particular include provisions relating to—
(a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters,
and
(b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.
(4) The following persons, when engaged in electoral advertising, must comply
with the Advertising Code—
(a) registered political parties,
(b) members of the House of Commons,
(c) members of any local authority in any part of the United Kingdom,
(d) members of the Greater London Assembly,
(e) candidates or prospective candidates at a United Kingdom general
election, by-election, local authority election, Greater London Authority
election or mayoral election,
(f) recognised third parties within the meaning of the Political Parties,
Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and
(g) election agents within the meaning of the Representation of the People
Act 1983.
(5) The Committee may, by written notice, require a person to provide information
or documents reasonably required for the purposes of investigating a suspected
breach of the Advertising Code.
(6) A person must comply with a requirement under subsection (5) unless the
person has a reasonable excuse.
(7) If, on an application by the Committee, a court is satisfied that a person has
failed to comply with a requirement under subsection (5), the court may make
an order requiring the person to provide the Committee with—
(a) information referred to in the notice, and
(b) other information which the court is satisfied the Committee requires.
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 48

(8) Where the Committee considers that electoral advertising is inconsistent with
the Advertising Code, it may take the following steps which it considers
reasonable to secure compliance—
(a) issuing a notice requiring the person responsible to amend, withdraw
or substantiate the advertising within a specified period,
(b) publishing a formal finding of non-compliance on its website [and in
the repository of political adverts],
(c) requiring the publication of a correction, clarification or updated version
of the advertising with similar prominence where practicable,
(d) notifying relevant online services or publishers and requesting prompt
suspension or removal of advertising during the regulated period, and
(e) referring repeated or serious breaches to the Electoral Commission to
impose civil sanctions in accordance with its powers under Schedule
19C to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
(9) In deciding whether to impose a civil sanction under subsection (8)(e), the
Electoral Commission must have regard to—
(a) the findings and recommendations of the Committee, and
(b) any enforcement action taken in relation to the same conduct under
any other enactment.
(10) Where the Electoral Commission imposes a civil sanction following a referral
from the Committee, it must publish a notice setting out—
(a) the nature of the breach,
(b) the sanction imposed, and
(c) the reasons for the sanction.
(11) A person on whom a civil sanction is imposed under subsection (8)(e) may
appeal in accordance with the appeal provisions under the Political Parties,
Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
(12) Failure to comply with the Campaign Code or the Advertising Code does not
of itself give rise to criminal liability.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause is connected to NC61 to NC63.
_NC65 Anneliese Dodds
Dr Ellie Chowns
. To move the following Clause—
“National limits on campaign expenditure by political parties
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph 3 of Schedule 9 (parliamentary general elections)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (2), for "£54,010" substitute "£37,600";
(b) in sub-paragraph (3)(a), for "£1,458,440" substitute "£1,015,100";
49 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

(c) in sub-paragraph (3)(b), for "£216,060" substitute "£150,390";
(d) in sub-paragraph (3)(c), for "£108,030" substitute £75,200";
(e) in sub-paragraph (4), for "£54,010" substitute "£37,600”.
(3) In paragraph 2(1) (d) of Schedule 8 (exclusions), after “the party” insert “other
than those who are employed wholly or mainly for the purpose of an election
campaign.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause lowers the national campaign spending limits for political parties and includes
campaign staff costs within their scope.
_NC66 Dr Ellie Chowns
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Adrian Ramsay
Hannah Spencer
. To move the following Clause—
“Electoral Commission: Power to institute criminal proceedings in England and
Wales or Northern Ireland
In Schedule 1 to PPERA 2000, leave out sub-paragraph (2)(b).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would remove the prohibition on the Electoral Commission from instituting criminal
proceedings in England and Wales and Northern Ireland.
_1 Sir Gavin Williamson
Steve Barclay
. Clause 79, page 99, line 20, at end insert—
“(iv) section (Commonwealth citizens: removal of voting rights).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential to NC5.
_27 Paul Holmes
. Clause 80, page 100, line 15, at end insert—
“(1A) Sections 17, 18 and 19 of this Act do not come into force until the Secretary
of State has published an independent review into the steps necessary to avoid
non-qualifying EU or Commonwealth voters incorrectly being automatically
added to the electoral roll.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 50

Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would prevent the provisions on automatic voter registration coming into force
until the Secretary of State had published an independent review of the steps necessary to avoid
non-qualifying EU or Commonwealth voters being incorrectly automatically added to the electoral
roll.
_33 Paul Holmes
. Clause 80, page 100, line 15, at end insert—
“(1A) Part 1 does not come into force until the Secretary of State has laid a report
before both Houses of Parliament that reviews why the age at which it would
become legal to vote in parliamentary general elections should differ from
the following—
(a) the age of majority in the Family Law Act 1969;
(b) any minimum ages specified in law which the Secretary of State considers
appropriate to review.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would prevent Part 1 of the Act coming into force until the Secretary of State had
undertaken a review of the consistency of the age of majority with the age of voting set out in this
Act.
_2 Sir Gavin Williamson
Steve Barclay
. Clause 80, page 100, line 17, at end insert—
“section (Commonwealth citizens: removal of voting rights).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential to NC5.
_25 Paul Holmes
. Clause 80, page 100, line 35, at end insert—
“section (Statutory Guidance on suspected breaches of the Ballot Secrecy Act);”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on NC36.
_3 Freddie van Mierlo
Martin Wrigley
Mr Paul Kohler
Manuela Perteghella
51 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

. Clause 80, page 100, line 35, at end insert—
“(ha) section (Overseas electors: Review of feasibility of proposals for
facilitating overseas ballots)”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on NC8.
_4 Emily Darlington
Dame Chi Onwurah
Ms Polly Billington
Justin Madders
Jo White
Samantha Niblett
Richard Baker
Luke Myer
Julia Buckley
David Burton-Sampson
Daniel Francis
Mike Reader
Charlotte Nichols
Dr Beccy Cooper
Dr Lauren Sullivan
Lee Pitcher
Chris Curtis
Paula Barker
Dr Allison Gardner
Jodie Gosling
Peter Swallow
. Clause 80, page 100, line 35, at end insert—
“(ha) Section (Guidance on the law relating to digital communication offences
in relation to elections)”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on NC10.
_23 Emily Darlington
. Clause 80, page 100, line 35, at end insert—
“(ha) Section (Report on electoral online harms)”
_Gov_21 Samantha Dixon
. Title, line 9, after “purposes;” insert “to repeal provision about the designation of a strategy
and policy statement for the Electoral Commission;”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on NC14.
Order of the House
[2 March 2026]
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 52

That the following provisions shall apply to the Representation of the People Bill:
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
Proceedings in Public Bill Committee
2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded)
be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 23 April 2026.
3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it
meets.
Consideration and Third Reading
4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought
to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which
those proceedings are commenced.
5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought
to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings
on Consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
7. Any other proceedings on the Bill may be programmed.
Order of the Committee
[18 March 2026, 18 March and 26 March 2026, as amended]
That—
1. the Committee shall (in addition to its first meeting at 9.25 am on Wednesday 18
March) meet—
(a) at 2.00 pm on Wednesday 18 March;
(c) at 9.25 am and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 24 March;
(d) at 11.30 am on Thursday 26 March;
(e) at 9.25 am and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 14 April;
(f) at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm on Thursday 16 April;
(g) at 9.25 am and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 21 April;
(h) at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm on Thursday 23 April;
53 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026

2. the Committee shall hear oral evidence on Wednesday 18 March in accordance
with the following Table:
Witness Time
Association of Electoral Administrators; Society
of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior
Managers (Solace);
Until no later than 10.05 am
Local Government Association
Electoral Commission Until no later than 10.25 am
Electoral Reform Society Until no later than 10.45 am
Electoral Management Board of the Democracy
and Boundary Commission Cymru;
Until no later than 11.25 am
Electoral Management Board for Scotland;
Scottish Assessors’ Association
Electoral Office for Northern Ireland; Until no later than 2.25 pm
Electoral Commission
The Politics Project; Until no later than 2.50 pm
Yorkshire & Humber Policy Engagement and
Research Network (Y-PERN)
Professor Toby James, University of East Anglia; Until no later than 3.15 pm
Professor Paul Bernal, University of East Anglia
Democracy Volunteers; Until no later than 3.55 pm
Councillor Peter Golds, Tower Hamlets Council;
Richard Mawrey KC
Henry Jackson Society Until no later than 4.10 pm
Conservatives Abroad; Until no later than 4.40 pm
Labour International;
Liberal Democrats Abroad
Full Fact; Until no later than 5.05 pm
Demos
Transparency International (UK); Until no later than 5.35 pm
Dr Sam Power, School of Sociology, Politics and
International Studies, University of Bristol;
Spotlight on Corruption
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local
Government
Until no later than 5.55 pm
3. proceedings on consideration of the Bill in Committee shall be taken in the
following order: Clauses 1 to 6; Schedule 1; Clauses 7 to 19; Schedule 2; Clauses 20
to 48; Schedule 3; Clauses 49 to 52; Schedule 4; Clause 53; Schedule 5; Clauses 54
and 55; Schedule 6; Clause 56; Schedule 7; Clauses 57 and 58; Schedule 8; Clauses
59 to 62; Schedule 9; Clauses 63 to 65; Schedule 10; Clause 66; Schedule 11; Clauses
67 to 74; new Clauses; new Schedules; Clauses 75 to 81; remaining proceedings on
the Bill;
COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026 54

4. the proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion
at 5.00 pm on Thursday 23 April.
Withdrawn Amendments
The following amendments were withdrawn on 13 March 2026:
NC11
The following amendments were withdrawn on 16 March 2026:
NC21 and NC23 (duplicate)
The following amendments were withdrawn on 17 March 2026:
24 and 29 (duplicate)
55 COMMITTEE STAGE Wednesday 15 April 2026