Offence of making a false statement on a nomination paper
You should remind any person delivering the nomination papers that it is a criminal offence to provide a false statement on nomination papers.1
If the nomination form includes a commonly used name, you should highlight that the offence also applies if a candidate has given a commonly used name that they do not actually commonly use. You may warn candidates that the penalty for a false statement is an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment of up to a year.2
You should not give advice on questions of candidates’ eligibility or disqualification but should direct them to the joint Commission/London Elects guidance for candidates and agents in the first instance. Should they have any further concerns, they should be advised to seek their own legal advice.