Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru: Elections
The question
To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2025 to Question 59783 on Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru: Elections, if the Electoral Commission will take steps to require the devolved administrations to ensure that political parties have (a) advance notice of and (b) clarity on the spending limits before of the election’s regulated period.
Answered by Sir Jeremy Wright
The Commission encourages the UK’s governments to ensure that changes to electoral legislation are clear at least six months before voters, campaigners, or electoral administrators are expected to comply with them. This helps to ensure all stakeholders, including political parties, have sufficient notice and clarity on any subsequent changes.
The Electoral Commission provides updated guidance, support and advice for political parties and candidates to help them comply with political finance laws.
The spending limits for Scottish Parliament elections have not changed ahead of the 2026 elections. Ahead of these elections, the Commission has already published its guidance for parties, and plans to publish its guidance for candidates and agents in September.
The Welsh Government has introduced new spending limits for the Senedd elections, which were agreed by the Senedd in July. The Commission will publish its guidance for parties, candidates and agents in September.
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