Referenda
UK-wide, national and regional referendums The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) (opens new window) establishes a fixed legal framework for the conduct of any referendum held across the UK, or a referendum held in Scotland, Wales, England or Northern Ireland. It also applies to regional referendums within England. No referendums have yet been held under this legislation. However, a recent Act of Parliament has enabled the holding of referendums on regional assemblies in England.
The 2016 EU Referendum
A referendum was held on 23 June 2016. The referendum sought the UK public's views on whether the country should leave or remain in the EU.
Results were as follows:
| Referendum Results | ||
|---|---|---|
| The total number of ballot papers counted was | 49,518 | |
| The number of votes cast in favour of Leave was | 36,423 | |
| The number of votes cast in favour of Remain was | 13,074 | |
| The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows: | ||
| a | No official mark | 0 |
| b | Voting for both answers to the question asked | 8 |
| c | Writing or mark by which the voter could be identified | 0 |
| d | Unmarked or void for uncertainty | 13 |
| Total rejected | 21 | |
Mayoral referendums
The Local Government Act 2000 (opens new window) sets out a major change in the way local authorities in England and Wales are run.
Most local authorities, except some of the smaller district councils in the area of a county council, operate "executive arrangements". There are three types of executive arrangement set out in the Act, two of which involve a directly elected mayor: mayor and cabinet, and mayor and council manager. The other involves a leader (who is elected by councillors) and cabinet. This latter executive arrangement is that which is used by South Holland.
Local authorities consult on which arrangements local people want. If there is a proposal to have a mayor, the local authority must hold a binding referendum. Many councils in England have already conducted consultations with local people on this issue. Local residents can also require a mayoral referendum by organising a petition signed by 5 percent of local electors or more.
Other referendums
Referendums are now regularly used by local councils to test public opinion on local issues. These referendums are not regulated by law and we have no responsibility for the conduct or other aspects of such referendums.