UK by-elections

I assumed that a by-election in the UK is automatic, like they are in NZ, but I find out from No Right Turn that the House has to pass a motion to issue the writs for a by-election, which allows the Government to delay or in theory not even have a by-election.

Now in NZ, a by-election is automatic unless the House specifically votes not to have one, as a general election is due within six months. This can only be used if the writ for the current Parliament is due to expire within six months of the vacancy being declared in a seat, or if the PM tables a statement announcing the date of the election, and that date is within six months.

In the UK they also operate a six month rule, but by convention – not by statute. This does allow a Government to go outside the convention and NRT cites a case where they delayed a by-election until the polls were better.

While our Electoral Act is still far from perfect and needs a full rewrite for MMP, it is nice that we have more rigorous laws than our “mother”.