The Government has laid the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order before Parliament for approval. The Order contains rules for the first elections for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) in England (excluding London) and Wales to be held on 15 November 2012.
The rules cover standing for election, the limits on spending by candidates and other campaigners at the election, which donations candidates can accept, which donations have to be reported, and how the election will be run.
We will aim to produce our suite of guidance for candidates and agents, and other organisations affected by these rules, as soon as possible. This will contain information on who can stand for election and how the nomination process works.
Guidance
Our guidance will cover:
- Who can stand for election and the nomination process
- The appointment of election agents
- Campaigning do's and don'ts
- What to expect and do at key election proceedings including postal vote opening sessions, polling stations and the count
- The limits on candidates' campaign spend between 8 October 2012 and polling day in each police area. Each police area will have a maximum spending limit instead of a formula. For a list of the police area limits, please see the schedule
- Which donations candidates can accept and which have to be reported. For instance, candidates will only be able to accept donations over £50 from certain types of donor, such as individuals on an electoral register. These rules will apply to all donations that fund campaigning from 8 October 2012 onwards. Potential candidates may also need to tell us about other donations made before 8 October to their campaign if they are also a member of a political party, or an elected councillor, an elected mayor, a Member of one of the UK's Parliaments and Assemblies, or a Member of the European Parliament. Please contact us for further information if you fall into one of these groups.
- How to record and report these donations after the election in the candidates' expenses return. All candidates' returns are made public after the election and are available for inspection.
- The limits on spending by other people and organisations campaigning for or against particular candidates between October 2012 and polling day. For a list of the area limits, please see the schedule
There is no spending limit on national campaigning by political parties, or by non-party campaigners who support or oppose a group of candidates at these elections.
Registering a political party
If you want to use a description on the ballot paper other than 'independent', you will need to register a political party with us. Please see our guidance for registering a political party.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about the rules on campaigning at this election, or registering a political party then please contact us on 020 7271 0616 or pef@electoralcommission.org.uk. If you would like to be placed on a mailing list to receive updates about our guidance, please contact us.
If you have any questions about standing at this election, please contact your local Commission Office - see our contact us webpage.
