European Assembly Elections (Candidates)

HC Deb 22 February 1985 vol 73 cc619-20W

Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if returning officers check and record the citizenship of nominated candidates for European Assembly elections.

Mr. Mellor

No. A candidate is not required to state his citizenship, and returning officers have no power to enquire into it. However, a candidate must state in his consent to nomination that to the best of his knowledge and belief he is not disqualified for election to the European Parliament: a person is so disqualified if he is not a British or other Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. The election of a person who appears to be disqualified may be questioned by an election petition under part III of the Representation of the People Act 1983.