Procedure at meetings
Section 320: Declaration by chairman on a show of hands
566.This section replaces section 378(4) of the 1985 Act and part of article 47 of Table A. This provision ensures that the chairman’s declaration of a vote taken on a show of hands is conclusive evidence of the resolution being passed or lost without further proof being provided, unless a poll is demanded on the resolution. There are two main differences from section 378(4), both of which are drawn from Table A. First, if the demand for a poll is withdrawn, then the chairman’s declaration will stand. Second, the minutes of the meeting also provide conclusive evidence of the chairman’s declaration. This section is intended to provide certainty by preventing members from challenging a declaration of the chairman as to the votes cast on a resolution at a meeting otherwise than by calling a poll.
