Elections: Fraud

Debate between Baroness Taylor of Bolton and Lord McNally

Monday 1st November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

I am not going to make comments on individual constituencies at the Dispatch box. I note what my noble friend says.

[Baroness Taylor of Bolton]

Would the Minister agree that probably everybody in this House would acknowledge that Ministers should not investigate electoral fraud? However, is there not a responsibility on the part of Ministers and, indeed, all of us, to acknowledge that we should not be fanning the flames and making wild accusations as has happened in the past?

[Lord McNally]

I agree with that, but after a general election, when there are close fights—we have all been through this—comments are made. What is important is that all parties co-operate in ensuring that the machinery we put in place works. Let us see what the Electoral Commission recommends, and then, if further action is needed, further action will be taken.

Political and Constitutional Reform

Debate between Baroness Taylor of Bolton and Lord McNally

Monday 5th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

My noble friend makes a very interesting point, which I suspect that the draft Bill will cover. We have to find the right balance between the Boundary Commission doing a proper and thorough job and not getting bogged down in the way that my noble friend describes.

[Baroness Taylor of Bolton]

Given the Government’s new-found enthusiasm for a two-thirds threshold for a Dissolution of Parliament, will there be a threshold in the referendum? Will two-thirds of the country have to vote yes in the referendum? Will there be a threshold in the turnout of the electorate before the referendum has any validity?

[Lord McNally]

No. If the noble Baroness wants me to show her the scars, I will tell her about the first Scottish referendum.