Amendment of rule 10 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers)

5.  In rule 10 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers)(1)—

(a)in paragraph (1)—

(i)after “consent to it” insert “, and its accompanying home address form,”,

(ii)after the “or” at the end of sub-paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa)the returning officer decides that the home address form—

(i)does not comply with rule 5(5); or

(ii)if the form contains a statement under rule 5(6), does not comply with the requirement in that rule for a signature or with rule 5(7); or”,

(b)in paragraph (3), after “nomination paper” insert “or home address form”,

(c)for paragraph (4) substitute—

“(4) Paragraph (4A) applies if the returning officer—

(a)decides that a nomination paper is invalid; or

(b)decides that a home address form—

(i)does not comply with rule 5(5); or

(ii)if the form contains a statement under rule 5(6), does not comply with the requirement in that rule for a signature or with rule 5(7).

(4A) The returning officer must endorse and sign on the paper or form that fact and the reasons for the returning officer’s decision.”.