Moray By-election

'The Presiding Officer reached his decision following consultation yesterday with the political parties. In addition, he has consulted with the Returning Officer for Moray who has confirmed that he will now make the necessary arrangements.' Scottish Parliament, 29 th March 2006.

Moray by-election set for April 27

From the Scottish Parliament 29 th March 2006

It has been announced that the Moray by-election will be held on Thursday 27 April.

Following the death of the Moray constituency MSP Margaret Ewing on 21 March, it is the duty of the Presiding Officer under the Scotland Act to decide the date of the by-election.

The Presiding Officer reached his decision following consultation yesterday with the political parties. In addition, he has consulted with the Returning Officer for Moray who has confirmed that he will now make the necessary arrangements.

Background

In terms of Section 9(2) of the Scotland Act 1998, the Presiding Officer is required to fix the date of the election to fill the vacancy. The poll must be held within a period of three months from the occurrence of the vacancy.

In terms of Schedule 2 of the Elections Order, publication of Notice of Election by the constituency Returning Officer shall not be earlier than the 28th day before the poll and not later than the 14th day before the date of the poll. Saturdays, Sundays and certain holidays are discounted from this calculation.

The last Scottish Parliament by-election was held in Cathcart on 29 September 2005, the same day as the Livingston by-election for Westminster.

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