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Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011

Government Bill

Originated in the House of Commons, Session 2010-12

Last updated: 8 December 2011 at 16:23

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Long title

A Bill to make provision about the dissolution of Parliament and the determination of polling days for parliamentary general elections; and for connected purposes.

Summary

The Bill fixes the date of the next General Election at 7 May 2015, and provides for five-year fixed terms. It includes provisions to allow the Prime Minister to alter the date by up to two months by Order. There are also two ways in which an election could be triggered before the end of the five-year term:

  • if a motion of no confidence is passed and no alternative government is found
  • or if a motion for an early general election is agreed either by at least two-thirds of the House or without division

Sponsoring departments

Cabinet Office
Mr Nick Clegg
Liberal Democrat, Sheffield, Hallam
Office of the Advocate General for Scotland
Lord Wallace of Tankerness
Liberal Democrat, Life peer

Current version of the Bill

Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 c.14
15 September 2011
Commons

Bill passage

Bill started in the House of Commons
1st reading
2nd reading
Committee stage
Report stage
3rd reading
Bill in the House of Lords
1st reading
2nd reading
Committee stage
Report stage
3rd reading
Final stages
Consideration of amendments
Royal Assent
Key
Complete
In progress
Not applicable
Not yet reached