UK Parliamentary Election 2024: Guidance on count procedures for candidates, election agents and counting agents

Behaviour at the declaration of results

Behaviour at the declaration - warning to candidates

As the Returning Officer, I have a statutory obligation to deliver the results of the election and declare the winner. At that declaration I would ask all candidates to help me in this task by listening quietly on the stage and not creating any distractions.

If I am interrupted or distracted while performing my duty, I will ask the person either on the stage or in the audience to stop.

If they then continue to distract me and prevent me announcing the results.  I will ask them to leave the building and security will escort the person from the premises and they will not be permitted to return.

It’s in all our interests that these elections are delivered in a safe and orderly manner.

After I’ve made my declaration, the newly elected MP will be invited to make a short speech.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

Paul Lawrence

Returning Officer