CHANGE IN MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS

Early day motion 202, tabled 25 May 2005 by Oliver Heald (Conservative). Signed by 66 members.

That this House expresses its relief at the transfer of ministerial responsibility for local elections away from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to the Department for Constitutional Affairs; but observes that this is the fourth Whitehall department with responsibility for local election administration since 2001; following the labelling of the UK as a `banana republic' by an election court, believes that this move is a sign of no confidence in the ability of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to run elections in a safe, secure and efficient manner; regrets that the Government's constant fiddling with the constitution has undermined the UK's long-standing reputation as a beacon for democracy and fair play; and calls on the Lord Chancellor to use the opportunity which this change provides to make a statement in line with Electoral Commission recommendations abandoning all-postal balloting and accepting individual voter registration.

Signatures by party: Conservative 65, Liberal Democrat 1.