Explanatory note

This Order brings into force (in England and Wales and Scotland) section 143 of, and paragraph 14 of Schedule 18 to, the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41) (“the 2000 Act”). These provisions were commenced on 16th February 2001 by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/222). However, this commencement was deemed not to have had effect by section 1 of the Election Publications Act 2001 (c. 5) (“the 2001 Act”). That Act provided for the provisions to be brought into force on a day appointed by the Secretary of State. That day is 1st January 2007, although transitional provision is made such that the provisions will not apply to irregular elections (such as by-elections) held in the period ending on 2nd May 2007.