Review of Ofcom’s list of larger parties for elections taking place on 5 May 2016
- Start: 07 January 2016
- Status: Statement published
- End: 04 February 2016
This document sets out Ofcom’s decision on the list of larger parties in advance of the various elections taking place in May 2016.
The list of larger parties reflects the fact that there are a number of larger political parties which have a significant level of electoral support, and a number of elected representatives, across a range of elections within the UK or the devolved nations. Ofcom’s rules on Party Political and Referendum Broadcasts require certain licensed broadcasters to offer a minimum of two party election broadcasts (“PEBs”) to the ‘larger parties’. In addition, if a party is not on the list of larger parties it can still qualify for PEBs.
In summary, we have decided that the existing parties on the list should remain on it. In addition, we have decided that the UK Independence Party should be added to the list in England and Wales, and the Green Party should be added to the list in England for the purposes of the May 2016 London Assembly and London Mayoral elections only.
As indicated in the Consultation, following the May 2016 elections we intend to review the suitability of the list of larger parties going forwards and consider what alternative approaches there may be to discharge our regulatory functions. We envisage holding meetings with stakeholders ahead of any consultation about this review.
Main documents
Responses
| Responder name | Type |
|---|---|
| Commercial_TV_PSBs.pdf (PDF File, 60.6 KB) | Organisation |
| Electoral_Commission.pdf (PDF File, 119.7 KB) | Organisation |
| Green_Party.pdf (PDF File, 181.7 KB) | Organisation |
| ITN.pdf (PDF File, 295.6 KB) | Organisation |
| Liberal_Democrats.pdf (PDF File, 476.9 KB) | Organisation |