SCHEDULE 1 Amendments to the 1962 Act

Part 4 Amendments to the Local Elections Rules
52 (1) Rule 12 (publication of nominations) is amended as follows.
(2) After paragraph (2) insert—

“2A If a person's nomination paper gives a commonly used surname or forename in addition to another name, the statement must show the person's commonly used surname or forename (as the case may be) instead of any other name.
2B Paragraph (2A) does not apply if the returning officer thinks—
(a) that the use of the person's commonly used name may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or
(b) that the commonly used name is obscene or offensive.
2C If paragraph (2B) applies, the returning officer must give notice in writing to the candidate of the reason for refusing to allow the use of the commonly used name.”

.
(3) After paragraph (4) insert—

“5 After the close of the poll, the Chief Electoral Officer must retain the statement of persons nominated in respect of each district electoral area.
6 The statements must be retained until at the next local general election the results are declared under rule 56.”

.