Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to widen consultation on the operation of elections in future to include (1) independent representatives, and (2) parties with at least one MP.

Where it is appropriate to consult with political parties on the conduct of elections, the Government is committed to ensuring that all relevant views are taken into account. In developing recent guidance to support campaigning ahead of the May elections, the Government consulted a number of groups, including the Parliamentary Parties Panel, the Green Party and others, as well as the Local Government Association. We are committed to ensuring we take into consideration the views of independent candidates as effectively as possible.