text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Political Parties and Elections Bill - Non Westminster representation should count - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  The majority of MPs voted against an amendment to the Political Parties and Elections Bill[1] at the point where it amends the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 regarding the appointment of Electoral Commissioners which sets a minimum threshold of representation in order to participate in the process.
  
  According to the Bill, nominations of Electoral Commissioners can only be made by the leader of a registered party with two or more Members of the House of Commons.  
  
  The proposal[2] was to replace this with:
  
  :The leader of a registered party with 15 representatives shared among the European Parliament, the House of Commons, Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
  
  (The 15 member limit was proposed and debated as Amendment 89.)
  
  * [1] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmbills/004/09004.1-4.html#j01 Four Electoral Commissioners to be persons put forward by parties], Clause 5, Political Parties and Elections Bill
  * [2] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2009-02-09a.1190.0#g1211.3 Pete Wishart MP], House of Commons, 9 February 2009
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  