The Parliamentary By-election of Gorton and Denton, In the Matter Of [2026] EWHC 565 (KB) (25 February 2026)

The Parliamentary By-election of Gorton and Denton, In the Matter Of [2026] EWHC 565 (KB) (25 February 2026)

Relief is granted because the omission of the statutory imprint was inadvertent, arose from a production error outside the claimants' control, all reasonable steps were taken to comply, there was no want of good faith, and appropriate notice was given with no objections raised.

Citation
[2026] EWHC 565 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: Matthew Goodwin; Claimant: Adam Rawlinson
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Application for Relief Under Representation of the People Act 1983 / Judgment on Application for Relief Prior to by Election
Outcome
Relief granted under section 167 of the Representation of the People Act 1983; claimants not subject to consequences of illegal practice.
Legal Topics
Illegal Practice, Statutory Imprint, Election Material, Relief From Consequences, Representation of the People Act 1983
Election Law Illegal Practice Statutory Imprint Election Material Relief From Consequences Representation of the People Act 1983

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Parties

Matthew Goodwin

Claimant

Adam Rawlinson

Claimant

Procedural Posture

Application for Relief Under Representation of the People Act 1983 / Judgment on Application for Relief Prior to by Election

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether omission of statutory imprint on election leaflets constitutes an illegal practice under section 110(12) of the Representation of the People Act 1983
  2. 2 Whether relief should be granted under section 167 of the Act for an illegal practice arising from inadvertence

Ratio Decidendi

Relief is granted because the omission of the statutory imprint was inadvertent, arose from a production error outside the claimants' control, all reasonable steps were taken to comply, there was no want of good faith, and appropriate notice was given with no objections raised.

Court Disposition

Relief granted under section 167 of the Representation of the People Act 1983; claimants not subject to consequences of illegal practice.

Orders

  • The act or omission is excepted from the provisions making it an illegal practice; no person shall be subject to any consequences under the Act for this omission.