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James supports the campaign: "Save General Election Night"

James Arbuthnot, MP for North East Hampshire has given his support this week to fellow MP, Tom Harris (Labour, Glasgow South) by signing an Early Day Motion (EDM 2033) calling on local authorities across the UK to help save General Election night and guarantee the counting of ballot papers immediately after the close of polls.

EDM 2033 expresses concern at reports that growing numbers of Returning Officers are considering postponing the counting of votes cast on the day of the General Election until the day after polling and places on record the belief that in the 21st century it would be a regressive move not to announce constituency results on the night of the General Election as early as possible. It states that public confidence in the results would be undermined by delays in the counting of ballot papers and that fewer voters would be able to watch the results being announced if this were done on a Friday afternoon.

To date, 161 MPs from all sides of the House have signed the EDM.

James said:

"I am very pleased to support this Early Day Motion.

"At a time when interest and trust in politics is at such a low ebb, it would surely be a backward step to suck all the interest out of one of the most important and vibrant parts of our democratic process. The timing of local election counts should, of course, be a matter for local discretion, but there is a need for a consistent approach for elections to a UK-wide, national body like the House of Commons.

"General Election night is not just about the swingometer and those dramatic declarations in the early hours: it’s a key part of our political heritage. It’s the moment when voters feel that they are able to witness their will being done and with that, the change they want to create across the political landscape. Yes, it’s a moment of drama and tension, but also it’s a moment of real connection between the people and their parliament. And we need that now, more than ever."