SCHEDULE 7A
RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION
The Schedule numbers, page numbers inserted at the left margin and paragraph Numbers of this document correspond in the main with those used in the Conservative Party Constitution.
1 NAME AND AFFILIATION
1.1 The name of the Federation shall be Walsall Conservative Federation and shall comprise of the wards within the Walsall South Constituency and the Walsall North Constituency.
1.2 The Federation shall be a member of and affiliated to The Conservative and Unionist Party (referred to in the Constitution as “the Party”) and shall at all times be bound by the Constitution of the Party.
2 OBJECTS The Objects of the Federation shall be to sustain and promote the objects and values of the Party in the Parliamentary constituencies of Walsall North and Walsall South; to provide an effective campaigning organisation in the Constituencies; to secure the return of Conservative Candidates at elections; to raise the necessary funds to achieve these objectives; and to contribute to the central funds of the Party.
3 MEMBERSHIP
3.1 The Federation shall only comprise Party Members (as defined in Article 4 of the Constitution of the Party) who shall pay subscriptions in accordance with the provisions of Articles 5 and 6 of the Constitution.
3.2 All members of the Federation shall be bound by these Rules and the Constitution of the Party.
3.3 All members of the Federation shall have the right to attend and vote at any General Meeting (including an Annual or Special General Meeting) of the Federation or Branch of which they are members, save that no member of the Federation may vote or nominate, propose or second any person or motion at any meeting of the Federation unless he has been a Member of that Federation for at least three months prior to the date of the meeting.
3.4 Any person who has ceased to be a member of the Party and the Federation shall have no rights or interest in the property or funds of the Federation.
3.5 The Officers of the Federation may move before the Executive Council the suspension or termination of membership of the Federation of any member whose declared opinions or conduct shall, in their judgement, be inconsistent with the objects or financial well-being of the Federation or be likely to bring the Party into disrepute. Similarly, the Officers may move the refusal of membership of the Federation for the same reasons. Following such a motion, the Executive Council may by a majority vote suspend, terminate or refuse membership for the same reason.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
3.6 If the Officers so move, they shall ensure that the individual receives in writing, at least 14 days before the meeting of the Executive Council considering the motion:
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(i) notification that they have moved the suspension, termination or refusal (as the case may be) of his membership of the Federation;
(ii) the grounds for the motion and any supporting evidence;
(iii) notification that he has the opportunity to appear before the Executive Council and to make representations and provide evidence as to why such motion should not be confirmed by that body.
3.7.1 The determination of the Executive Council shall be based on the grounds provided to the individual by the Officers of the Federation and no further grounds shall be considered by them at this meeting. The person who shall chair the item concerning the motion must not be the Chairman, other officer or any member of the Federation and shall be someone unconnected with the individual and the circumstances related to the case. Subject to these matters, the Executive Council may adopt their own procedures for determination of the motion.
3.7.2 Following the determination by the Executive Council, they shall write within five working days to the person informing him of the outcome of the motion and, if the motion has been confirmed, informing the individual of his right of appeal.
3.8 Subject to the provisions of Article 59 of the Constitution, any person so expelled in accordance with this rule shall not be eligible for renewed membership of the Federation without the express approval of the Executive Council.
3.9.1. The Executive Council shall immediately inform the Board if it expels or refuses membership to any member in accordance with Article 55 of the Constitution.
3.9.2. Should an expelled member wish to submit an appeal to the Board, such appeal must be lodged with the Secretary to the Board within 14 days of expulsion and the substantive grounds for an appeal must be lodged with the Secretary to the Board within 28 days of the expulsion.
3.10 Where the Board has refused to confirm the expulsion from or non-admission to the Federation of a Party Member, such person shall be admitted back into membership of the Federation, or granted membership of the, as the case may be.
4 HONORARY POSITIONS
4.1 The Federation shall elect a President, who shall, ex-officio, be a member of the Executive Council, who may be an Officer of the Federation under the provisions of Paragraph 5.1.5 below.
4.2 The President shall chair and conduct the business of the Annual General Meeting of the Federation and act as Returning Officer in all elections for Officers of the Federation.
4.3 The Federation may elect annually, as Patrons or Vice-Presidents, individuals who have made an outstanding and valuable contribution to the Federation.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
5 OFFICERS
5.1 The Officers of the Federation will be the management team of the Federation and shall comprise
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5.1.1 A Chairman; 5.1.2 Two Deputy Chairmen; 5.1.3 A Treasurer, where the office is not combined into that of the Membership Deputy Chairman; which shall be determined by the Executive Council;
5.1.4 One additional Officer elected by the members residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, each of the Constituencies comprised within the Federation (to be known as “Constituency Officers”)
5.1.5 Such other Officers as the Executive Council shall have determined. These are, four additional Officers elected by the members to be known as Vice Chairman Business Liaison, Vice Chairman Ward and Branch Liaison, Secretary, Communications Officer.
5.2 One Deputy Chairman shall have particular responsibility for co-ordinating within the Federation the formulation and development of policy ideas and initiatives, and political campaigning (“the Political Deputy Chairman”).
5.3 The other Deputy Chairman, who may also be the Treasurer, shall have particular responsibility for fund-raising and membership within the Federation (“the Membership Deputy Chairman”) and shall represent the Federation in dealing with matters of finance with the Party.
5.4 The Officers of the Federation shall be individually elected by members of the Federation annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation or, if a Special General Meeting is called pursuant to a resolution of the Board of the Party in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 15 of Schedule 6, at that Special General Meeting, save for the Constituency Officers, who shall be individually elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation by members of the Federation residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, the respective constituencies.
5.5 No Officer shall hold the same office for more than three consecutive years save that the Executive Council may, upon a motion put and voted upon by it by secret ballot, (and subject to the approval of the Area Management Executive) invite any Officer who has held the same office for three years to offer himself for re-election to that office for no more than one further year.
5.6 If an Officer elected at the Annual General Meeting ceases to hold office, for whatever reason, the Executive Council shall have power to elect a successor until the next Annual General Meeting.
5.7 The Officers of the Federation shall ex-officio be members of all Committees of the Executive Council and Branch Committees and if any Officer so requests, he may be entitled to notices of all Committee meetings.
5.8 The Officers of the Federation shall have day to day responsibility for the management and administration of the Federation but shall report to and implement any decision of the Executive Council. The actions of the Officers shall not be inconsistent with any decision of the Executive Council or the objects of the Federation.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
5.9 Within 28 days of assuming office, the Officers of the Federation shall prepare a plan of objectives and activities for the forthcoming year (“the Strategy Plan”) which shall be presented to the next meeting of the Executive Council. The Strategy Plan shall also be submitted to the Area Management Executive within 28 days of the Officers assuming office.
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5.10 Not less than one month prior to the Annual General Meeting of the Federation each year, Officers of the Federation shall:
5.10.1 prepare all Federation accounts which shall be submitted for audit or certification by a person or persons appointed by the Federation and a certified true copy of the duly audited or certificated statements of accounts shall be available for all members of the Federation and shall be sent to the Area Management Executive immediately following the Annual General Meeting of the Federation; and
5.10.2 produce a Federation Report which shall be available for all members of the Federation and shall be sent to the Area Management Executive immediately following the Annual General Meeting of the Federation and shall include the following information:
5.10.2.1 the number of members in the Federation and the change in membership over previous year;
5.10.2.2 the number of active Branches including details of new or closed Branches over the year; 5.10.2.3 details and activity of Federation Committees;
5.10.2.4 details of campaigning and political activity during the year, including details of Local Government Candidates and the results of elections;
5.10.2.5 names and addresses of the Federation’s trustees and, if appropriate, of the individual Constituency Trustees;
5.10.2.6 a summary of the activities of any Branch of the Federation.
5.11 For the purposes of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), the Federation Chairman on election automatically assumes the role of Registered Treasurer and the Deputy Chairman Membership and Fundraising automatically assumes the role of deputy Registered Treasurer. If the Federation has retained the position of Treasurer, then the Federation may appoint that person as deputy Registered Treasurer. All changes to these office holders must be notified to Conservative Campaign HQ (CCHQ) within 14 days of the change and CCHQ shall within 28 days inform the Electoral Commission save that the Board may vary this timetable to comply with the PPERA or successor legislation.
6 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
6.1 The Federation shall have a governing body which shall be known as the Executive Council which shall comprise
6.1.1 The President of the Federation;
6.1.2 Such other Honorary member of the Federation as the Federation shall, in General Meeting, think fit;
6.1.3 The Officers of the Federation ;
6.1.4 Up to three representatives from each constituted ward in proportion to the size of the ward membership. 1 to 50 members 1 representative, 50 to 100 2 representatives, over 100 3 representatives. The Chairman of the Ward or his nominee will be the 1st representative.
6.1.5 One representatives of each committee, as established under Paragraph 6.5.2 below; 4
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont)
6.1.6 One representatives being elected Conservative member of any Local Authority in which the constituencies are situated, who live in the Constituencies and are nominated by the Conservative Group Leader
6.1.7 One representative of each conservative Club in the constituencies, which is affiliated to the Association of Conservative Clubs, provided that the representative is a Party Member
6.1.8. The Conservative Members of Parliament for the constituencies and/or Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, the Conservative Members of the European Parliament and/or the Prospective European Parliamentary Candidates, and insofar as relevant, any Conservative Member of the Welsh Assembly and/or the Conservative Prospective Welsh Assembly Candidates, in a non- voting capacity;
6.1.9 The Agent of the Federation, in a non-voting capacity;
6.1.10 The Chairman of the Area Management Executive (“the Area Chairman”) (or another member of the Area Management Executive, nominated by the Area Chairman) for the Area in which the Federation is situated, in an advisory and non-voting capacity;
6.1.11 Such person as is appointed by the Board of the Party for the purpose in an advisory and non- voting capacity.
6.1.12 Up to Four further persons co-opted by the Executive Council
6.2 The Chairman of the Federation shall be chairman of the Executive Council and in his absence the Executive Council shall be chaired by one of the Deputy Chairmen.
6.3 The Executive Council may appoint a Secretary to the Executive Council.
6.4 The Executive Council shall meet not less than twice every year. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the Chairman or request of the Executive Council.
6.5 The Executive Council shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
6.5.1 The Executive Council shall have the power (subject to any resolutions of the Federation made at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting) to deal with all matters affecting the Federation and its membership, and to exercise control over all ward and polling district Branches and specialist committees or groups.
6.5.2 The Executive Council may, pursuant to paragraph 6.8 below, establish such Committees of the Federation as it shall think fit, for example a Political Committee, Women’s Committee, a Local Government Committee, and Conservative Future, where there are sufficient numbers of members of the Federation who would wish to take part in the activities of such Committee to warrant its establishment.
6.5.3 The Executive Council shall elect annually two members of the Federation from each constituency to be its representatives on the Area Council for the Area in which the Federation is situated.
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6.5.4 The Executive Council shall make provision for the collection of subscriptions in respect of Party Membership.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
6.5.5 The Executive Council shall determine, prior to the date upon which nominations for elections for Officers of the Federation are sought:
6.5.5.1 Whether the post of Treasurer should be combined into that of Membership Deputy Chairman ; and
6.5.5.2 The responsibilities of the Constituency Officers and, where other Officers are elected pursuant to Paragraph 5.1.4 and 5.1.5. respectively, the number and responsibility of those Officers of the Federation,
6.6 Funds of the Federation
6.6.1 The Funds of the Federation shall be under the control of the Executive Council.
6.6.2 The Executive Council shall appoint not less than three signatories for Federation bank accounts, bank drafts or cheques or similar documents which shall always require signature by two authorised signatories.
6.6.3 The Executive Council shall be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the PPERA and such legislation, regulations, or measures amending, supplementing or replacing the same are fulfilled with regard to the accounting procedures of the Federation and for complying with any request by the Board to enable the Party as a whole to comply with its duties under the said Act.
6.7 Notice of meetings
6.7.1 The Chairman of the Federation shall give not less than 14 days notice of each meeting of the Executive Council to each member of it and such notice shall
6.7.1.1 State the date time and venue for the meeting;
6.7.1.2 Give an Agenda together with the draft minutes of the last meeting for approval by the Executive Council.
6.7.2 Business not specified in the notice convening the meeting may be considered and dealt with only by leave of the Chairman provided that two thirds of those present and entitled to vote agree to treat such business as urgent.
6.7.3 In an emergency, and at the absolute discretion of the Chairman of the Federation, the Chairman may summon a meeting of the Executive Council at shorter notice to deal only with the business stated in the notice convening the meeting.
6.8 Committees of the Federation
6.8.1 Any committee established by the Executive Council pursuant to paragraph 6.5.2 above should adopt Rules which accord with the Constituency Guide to Best Practice.
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6.8.2 The minutes of any meeting of any Committee of the Federation shall be sent to the Chairman of the Federation and Agent forthwith after approval.
6.8.3 The Executive Council may resolve to disband any committee of the Federation established under paragraph
6.5.2 above at any time and for any reason provided that prior notice of the proposed resolution shall be given in the Agenda for the meeting.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
7 WARD BRANCHES
7.1 Branches of the Federation may be established in wards consisting of all members of the Federation resident in or connected with the ward.
7.2 The Executive Council shall determine the precise number and boundaries of Branches within the Constituency having regard to the particular circumstances of that Constituency. No Branch shall be formed unless so authorised by the Executive Council.
7.3 The functions of a Branch shall be to work to sustain and promote the objects and values of the Party and carry out the objects of the Federation within the ward or polling district, subject to the directions of the Executive Council.
Officers of the Branch
7.4 Each Branch shall consist of the following Officers: 7.4.1 A Chairman;
7.4.2 Two Deputy Chairmen, one of whom shall have particular responsibility for co-ordinating the formulation and development of policy ideas and initiatives, and political campaigning within the Branch; and the other shall have particular responsibility for fund-raising and membership within the Branch, and who also may be the Treasurer;
7.4.3 A Treasurer, where the office is not combined into that of one of the Deputy Chairmen; 7.4.4 A Secretary.
7.5 The Officers of the Branch shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Branch in accordance with the Rules for Ward or Polling District Branches annexed hereto.
Branch Committee
7.6 Each Branch shall have a Committee (“The Branch Committee”) which shall consist of the Officers and such number of members as is decided by the Branch to be representative of its membership in the Branch and necessary for its adequate working. The Officers shall be elected at the Branch Annual General Meeting.
Funds and property
7.7 The Branch Committee shall have power to raise funds and (subject to any directions of the Executive Council, including a direction preventing a Branch from holding a bank account) to control
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its funds, but such funds shall belong to the Federation. Any property other than cash in hand or monies on current or deposit account at the bank shall be vested in the Trustees of the Federation in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 17.1 below.
7.8 Branches shall pay annually to the central fund of the Federation a quota agreed upon between the Executive Council and the Branch concerned.
7.9 The Branch Committee shall appoint not less than three signatories for bank and other accounts, of whom any two shall be required to sign any necessary documents.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
7.10 All Branch accounts shall be submitted for audit or certification by a person or persons appointed by each Branch and a certified true copy of the duly audited or certificated statements of accounts shall be sent to the Treasurer of the Federation or, where that office is combined with that of Membership Deputy Chairman, to the Membership Deputy Chairman immediately following the Annual General Meeting of the Branch.
7.11 Upon request from the Chairman of the Federation or the Executive Council, a Branch shall provide forthwith such information as is requested relating to the affairs of the Branch, including information relating to finances and membership.
Rules of the Branch
7.12 Each Branch of the Federation shall adopt Rules for Ward and Polling District Branches in the form annexed to these Rules of Conservative Party Federation. Such Rules (or any amendments thereto) shall be submitted to the Executive Council for approval.
Power to disband Branches
7.13 The Executive Council shall have power to disband any Branch, subject to the provisions of paragraph 7.14 below, and the entire assets of any disbanded Branch shall belong to the Federation, and any assets not already vested in the Trustees of the Federation shall be handed over to the Officers of the Federation.
7.14 Before any Branch is disbanded, the following procedure shall apply:
7.14.1 Not less than twenty-eight days' notice shall be given in writing to the members of the Branch of the meeting of the Executive Council at which the disbanding of the Branch is to be proposed, inviting the Branch to send not more than two Officers or representatives of the Branch to attend such meeting and show cause why the Branch should not be disbanded.
7.14.2 If, after hearing such Officers or representatives (not exceeding two) of the Branch who may attend the said meeting of the Executive Council, the Executive Council resolves that the Branch shall be disbanded, notice of the resolution shall be given in writing to the members of the Branch and the resolution shall not take effect for a period of fourteen days from the date when notice of the resolution is given.
7.14.3 Within fourteen days of the giving of the notice referred to in paragraph 8
7.14.2 above (as the case may be), if any six members of the Branch is aggrieved by the decision of the Executive Council, they may appeal to the Area Management Executive (as defined in Part VI of the Constitution) for the Area in which the Federation is situated.
7.14.4 Any appeal to the Area Management Executive shall follow such procedure as the Area Management Executive shall in its absolute discretion decide.
7.14.5 If either the Executive Council or the Branch members who appealed to the Area Management Executive are aggrieved by the decision of the Area Management Executive, they may appeal to the Board which shall follow such procedure to hear the appeal as the Board shall in its absolute discretion decide. The Board shall give a decision on the appeal, in writing, which shall be final and binding on the parties and not subject to review of any kind.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont) 8 AGENT
8.1 The Executive Council shall have the power to appoint a certificated Agent who shall be responsible to the Executive Council for supervising the work of the Party organisation throughout the constituencies.
8.2 The Agent shall be a non-voting member of the Executive Council.
8.3 The Agent will work with and support the management team of the Federation.
8.4 The Agent shall receive notices of and be entitled to attend all committee and other meetings of the Federation and Branches, but shall not be entitled to vote.
8.5 In relation to Agents first employed by the Association before 28th March 1998: 8.5.1 there shall be a written contract between the Federation and the Agent.
8.5.2 The salary shall be based on the recommendation of the Board and shall be negotiated between the Agent and the Officers.
8.5.3 The Federation shall pay the Agent’s expenses and allowances based on the recommendations made from time to time by the Board.
8.5.4 The Federation shall pay the employer’s contribution to the Agent’s Superannnuation Fund provided that the Agent also pays the appropriate contribution.
8.6 In the case of Agents first employed after 28th March 1998, the form and provisions of the contract shall be as determined by the Board.
8.7 The Officers of the Federation, the Agent and such member of the professional staff of the Party appointed by the Board for the purpose shall agree a Management Development Programme for the Agent.
8.8 All decisions on the appointment and termination of employment of the Agent will be discussed jointly between the Officers of the Federation and such member of the professional staff of the Party appointed by the Board for the purpose.
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8.9 The Executive Council shall have the power to appoint such other paid staff as it may think fit. 9 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
9.1 The Annual General Meeting of the Federation shall be held before the end of March being within three months of the end of the Federation’s financial year each year, for the following purposes:
9.1.1 To receive and adopt the audited or certificated accounts of the Federation prepared in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 5.10.1 above;
9.1.2 To receive and adopt the Federation Report prepared by Officers of the Federation in accordance with Paragraph 5.10.2 above;
9.1.3 To elect the Officers in accordance with paragraph 5.4 above;
9.1.4 To elect Honorary positions within the Federation in accordance with paragraphs 4.1 and 4.3 of these Rules;
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont) 9.1.5 To appoint auditors or such other persons who may be qualified to certify accounts; 9.1.6 To transact such other business as may be brought before it.
9.2 Notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be given to each member of the Federation at least twenty-one days before the date of the meeting and shall require nominations for Officers and other vacancies to be made and seconded not later than seven clear days before the day of the meeting; provided that if no nomination for a particular office or vacancy is so received, nominations made for that office or vacancy at the meeting shall be valid.
10 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
10.1 A Special General Meeting of the Federation may be summoned at any time 10.1.1 by the Chairman of the Federation, or
10.1.2 upon a petition signed by not less than fifty members of the Federation or 10% of the total membership of the Federation for the previous year (whichever is less) sent to the Secretary of the Executive Council of the Federation requesting him to convene such a meeting; or
10.1.3 upon a resolution of the Board of the Party.
10.2 Upon the summoning by the Chairman of a Special General Meeting or the receipt by the Secretary of such a petition, or the making of a resolution by the Board, a Special General Meeting shall be held not less than fourteen nor more than twenty-eight days later.
10.3 Notice of the Special General Meeting shall be given to every member of the Federation. The business of the meeting shall be stated in the notice convening it and no other business shall be discussed.
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10.4 Where in the judgement of the Officers, or such as are available for consultation, an emergency has arisen demanding an immediate meeting, the period of notice shall be such as they consider appropriate in the circumstances.
11 GENERAL MEETINGS
11.1 Notice of the Annual General Meeting and of any other General Meeting of the Federation shall be given in accordance with one or other of the following provisions: either
11.1.1 by written notification to every member of the Federation; or
11.1.2 By sending an individual notice
11.1.2.1 to each member of the Executive Council; and
11.1.2.2 to the Secretary of each Branch and Committee of the Federation together with sufficient copies of the notice for distribution; and
11.1.2.3 to each Secretary of each subscribing Conservative Club; and by advertising in at least one local newspaper(s) as the Executive Council shall deem appropriate.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont)
11.2 If any member fails to receive proper or adequate notice, such shall not prevent the holding of the meeting or invalidate any resolutions made or elections undertaken at it.
11.3 The Area Chairman (or another member of the Area Management Executive, nominated by the Area Chairman) for the Area in which the Federation is situated shall be given notice of and may attend any general meeting of the Federation in an advisory and non-voting capacity.
11.4 Such person as is appointed by the Board of the Party for the purpose shall be given notice of and may attend any General Meeting of the Federation in an advisory and non-voting capacity.
11.5 Admission to the General meeting is by membership card supported by Photo ID in the event of ambiguity.
12 QUORUM
12.1 For all General Meetings of the Federation the quorum shall be not less than 50 members or 10% of the total membership of the Federation (whichever is less).
12.2 The quorum of the Executive Council and of its Committees shall be one-fifth of their respective members, except that the quorum shall in no instance be less than three.
12.3 In the event that a General Meeting of the Federation be or becomes inquorate, another meeting shall be called not less than 7 nor more than 14 days from the date of the inquorate meeting. Any nominations submitted to the inquorate meeting shall stand as nominations for elections at the quorate meeting.
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13 VOTING AT MEETINGS
13.1 At all meetings of the Federation, including meetings of the Executive Council and its Committees, voting shall be by a show of hands in the first instance except that
13.1.1 in relation to the election of Officers and the re-adoption of a sitting Member of Parliament, voting shall be by secret ballot;
13.1.2 in relation to any other matter, if either the Chairman (at his discretion) directs or upon one- third of members present and entitled to vote so requesting, the voting shall be by secret ballot.
13.2 Except where expressly provided otherwise, any motion at any meeting of the Federation, including meetings of the Executive Council and its Committees shall be carried on a majority vote.
13.3 The Chairman (or chairman of the meeting) shall have a second or casting vote in all cases where the voting is declared to be equal.
14 DISPUTES
14.1 The Executive Council may and, if so requested by any Branch of the Federation, shall submit any dispute or difference arising in connection with the Federation or any of its Branches to the Area Management Executive for the Area within which the Federation is situated with a view to the Area Management Executive bringing about a settlement of such dispute or difference. Such submission shall be made within 56 days of notification of the said dispute to the Executive Council.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
14.2 If the Area Management Executive fails to bring about a settlement acceptable to all parties to the dispute or difference, the Executive Council may and, if so requested by any Branch of the Federation, shall submit any such dispute or difference to the Board which shall give a decision upon, or take such steps as it thinks fit to bring about a settlement. Any decision given in writing by the Board shall be final and binding on all parties to the dispute or difference and not subject to review of any kind.
15 SELECTION OF CANDIDATES
15.1 The Executive Council shall when required establish a Candidate Selection Committee, one for each constituency within the Federation, the members of which shall be:
15.1.1 The Constituency Officer will act as Chairman of the Committee for the Constituency which he represents or the Federation Chairman will act as Constituency Chairman of the Committee;
15.1.2 other members of the Federation representing the individual constituencies, appointed by the Executive Council in accordance with guidance published by the Committee on Candidates of the Board (as established under Schedule 6 of the Party Constitution);
15.1.3 The Agent, who will act as Secretary to the Candidate Selection Committees, and not be entitled to vote;
15.1.4 Such person as is appointed by the Board of the Party for the purpose, who shall be invited to attend all meetings of each committee in an advisory capacity and not be entitled to vote.
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15.2 Selection of Parliamentary Candidates
15.2.1 Whenever it may be necessary to initiate the procedure to adopt a Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, the Candidate Selection Committees shall, through the Constituency Officers of the respective constituency, act in consultation with the Committee on Candidates of the Board and, as far as is practicable, shall follow the procedure published by the Committee on Candidates of the Board (as established under Schedule 6 of the Constitution). In any case the following procedure shall apply:
15.2.2 Where there is no sitting Member of Parliament, the Candidate Selection Committees shall recommend not less than three Candidates for interview by those members representing the individual constituency on the Executive Council (“the recommended list”). The recommended list shall not be published.
15.2.3 Upon receipt of the recommended list, those members representing the individual constituency on the Executive Council shall nominate not less than two Candidates for consideration by a General Meeting of the members of the Federation residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, the respective constituency.
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15.2.4 Where the relevant Constituency members of the Executive Council, by secret ballot and with the approval of the Board, agree that it would be in the interest of the Party to reselect their candidate from the previous parliamentary election, the Executive shall present that sole candidate for adoption at a Special General Meeting, called for that purpose, of those members of the Federation residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, the relevant Constituency.
15.2.5 The Chairman of the Federation shall convene a General Meeting or Special General Meeting as the case may be, of the members of the Federation residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, the respective constituency which shall select the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.
15.2.6 Sitting Members of Parliament
15.2.6.1 A sitting Member of Parliament shall be required to make a written application to those members of the Executive Council who are members residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if residing in, the relevant Constituency should he wish to seek re-adoption to stand again for Parliament or submit such an application if requested by the Executive Council.
15.2.6.2 The motion to re-adopt should be presented to those members of the Executive Council who are members residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if residing in, the relevant Constituency after due notice and not less than two weeks or more than two months following the receipt of the application by the Member of Parliament and the Member of Parliament invited to attend and speak if he wishes. Voting shall be by secret ballot, counted by two persons agreed by the sitting Member of Parliament and the Chairman of the Federation, with the result, but not the figures, declared.
15.2.6.3. In the event of a sitting Member of Parliament not securing the assent of those members of the Executive Council who reside in the relevant Constituency, or who have chosen to be treated as
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if residing in, to his re-adoption, he will have the right to request a postal ballot of the full membership of those members of the Federation residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, the relevant Constituency as to whether or not he should be re-adopted. The ballot shall be conducted by such person as is appointed by the Board of the Party for the purpose with the Chairman of the Federation and the sitting Member of Parliament each appointing a scrutineer. No communication other than:
i) the ballot paper and relevant instructions in connection therewith; and ii) any communication by the sitting MP (on no more than a single A4 sheet of paper) shall be sent to qualifying members of the Federation residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, the respective constituency in connection with the ballot
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATION (cont)
In the alternative to the procedure contained within para 15.2.6.3 above, the sitting Member of Parliament may (at his option) have his name automatically added to the final list to be considered by the General Meeting (in addition to the Candidates nominated by the Executive Council in para 15.2.3).
15.2.7 Should the Parliamentary boundaries of the constituencies be subject to redistribution, then the sitting Member of Parliament shall have the right to submit himself for selection for any constituency which may incorporate any part of his old constituency notwithstanding that there may be a Member of Parliament for another part of the constituency, or for any other constituency where a vacancy is notified, and the procedure for selection shall be as determined by the Board from time to time.
15.3 Selection of Local Government Candidates
15.3.1 In the selection of Local Government Candidates, the Executive Council shall
15.3.1.1 maintain an approved list of potential Candidates Jointly with Aldridge Brownhills constituency for Local Government elections in the Metropolitan Borough Council of Walsall, and submit suitable names to Branches for selection by the Branch, whereupon the Branch may proceed to adopt one or more of the candidates; or
15.3.1.2 Establish a Selection subcommittee pursuant to 6.5.2 to select and allocate Candidates to fight in un-constituted wards
15.3.1.3 allow Branches to select the Candidates of their choice but shall approve such selection. Thereafter, the general meeting of the Branch shall adopt the Candidate(s).
15.3.2 If the electoral Area extends beyond the Area of a single Branch the foregoing procedure shall be carried out by the Branches concerned, acting jointly, under the direction of the Executive Council.
15.3.3 A sitting Councillor shall be required to make a written application to the Executive Council or Branch Committee as appropriate should he wish to seek re-adoption. The procedure for re- adoption shall thereafter take place in accordance with the procedure set out in Paragraph 15.3.1 above.
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15.3.4 The decision relating to re- adoption should be reached in reasonable time having regard to the mutual convenience of both the Federation and the sitting Councillor.
15.3.5 Candidates for principal Local Authorities shall be informed, before being selected, that, if elected, they would be obliged to join the Conservative Councillors Association and pay an annual subscription.
16 SUSPENSION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FEDERATION
Upon the calling of a Parliamentary General Election or By-Election in the Constituencies, the activities of the Federation and of its Branches shall be suspended until after polling day. No resolution shall be necessary to bring this provision into effect
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont) 17 TRUSTEES
17.1 All the freehold, leasehold and other property of the Federation and its Branches, save only cash in hand and monies on current or deposit account with the bank, shall be vested in not less than two nor more than four Trustees (who shall be members of the Party) appointed to hold office as Trustees by the Federation at a General Meeting. Save that property held by the individual Constituency Associations prior to the formation of the Federation shall be vested in not less than two nor more than four Trustees (who shall be members of the Party) appointed to hold office as Trustees of the individual Constituency Association’s property at a General Meeting of Federation members residing in, or who have chosen to be treated as if resident in, that particular Constituency.
17.2 All property of the Federation for the time being vested in the Trustees and the proceeds of sale and the income thereof shall be held upon trust for the Federation absolutely, and the Trustees shall execute a trust deed in such form as the Board shall from time to time determine and such form as from time to time so determined shall form part of the Mandatory Rules under this Schedule.
18 INTERPRETATION
18.1 Schedule 1 of the Party Constitution shall have effect in these Rules.
18.2 The Executive Council shall have power to deal with any matter not provided for in these Rules. 19 ALTERATION OF THE RULES
19.1 The Mandatory Rules of the Federation, within the meaning of Article 41.2 of the Constitution, being those in bold type within these Rules of Constituency Federation shall not be amended or altered other than in accordance with the provisions of Article 92 of the Constitution.
19.2 Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 19.1 above, a General Meeting of the Federation shall have the power to amend, to add to, or to rescind such rules of the Federation which are not Mandatory Rules by a vote in favour of such a resolution consisting of not less than two-thirds of those present and voting at the meeting provided that any such change in the Rules shall not be inconsistent with the Mandatory Rules.
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19.3 Notice of the proposed alteration must reach the Chairman of the Federation in writing at least fourteen days before the day of the meeting. Notice of the proposed alteration shall be given to members of the Federation at least seven days before the meeting in accordance with Paragraph 11.1 above.
20. DISSOLUTION & SECESSION
20.1 In accordance with the provisions of this Article:
20.1.1 The Members of the Federation may dissolve the Federation and re-establish separate Constituency Associations for each Constituency within the Federation.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont)
20.1.2 If the Federation comprises more than two Constituencies, the Members residing in (or who have chosen to be treated as if residing in) any one Constituency thereof may leave the Federation and re-establish a separate Constituency Association for their Constituency.
20.2. No such proposal as is referred to in Article 20.1.1 shall be considered (or further considered):
20.2.1 If a general election or by-election to any Parliamentary seat within the Federation has been called, or within 3 calendar months from the date of a general election or any such by-election.
20.2.2 If any other elections or by-elections to any ward, Welsh or London Assembly, or European Parliamentary seats within any part of the Federation are due to take place within 3 calendar months or have taken place within the preceding 3 calendar months.
20.2.3 Unless the same shall have been proposed in writing by the Board or by no fewer than 50 Members or 10% of the Members residing (or who have chosen to be treated as if residing) within the Constituencies comprised within the Federation, whichever shall be the greater.
20.3 Upon any such qualifying motion to which the Board or the requisite number of Members shall have signified written assent being proposed:
20.3.1 The Chairman of the Federation shall notify the Area Management Executive and the Board (unless the Board has itself proposed the motion).
20.3.2 The Chairman of the Federation shall call and give notice of a Special General Meeting of the Federation in accordance with Article 10, which shall be fixed for a date not less than 28 and not more than 56 days after he or she has received the relevant motion.
20.4 Any Special General Meeting called in accordance with Article 20.3.2,
20.4.1 Shall debate as the only items of business the motion to dissolve the Federation and to re- establish separate Constituency Associations for each Constituency within the Federation.
20.4.2 Shall be presided over by the Area Chairman or another member of the Area Management Executive nominated by the Area Chairman, who, if called upon by the Board to do so, shall permit the attendance of a representative of the Board.
20.5 Within 28 days following the conclusion of any Special General Meeting called in accordance with Article 20.3.2, the Area Chairman shall cause there to be carried out a postal ballot of the
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Members of the Federation on the motion to dissolve the Federation and to re-establish separate Constituency Associations for each Constituency within the Federation. Ballots shall indicate on their face the Constituency in which the Member to which that ballot was sent resides (or has chosen to be treated as if residing). The result of the ballot, together with the basis upon which any successful motion shall have been carried in accordance with Article 20.6, shall thereafter be declared by the Area Chairman, but without revealing the numbers who have voted for and against the motion.
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont)
20.6 A motion to dissolve the Federation and to re-establish separate Constituency Associations for each Constituency within the Federation shall carry, and shall only carry,
20.6.1 With the support of more than 50% of those voting in accordance with Article 20.5;
or,
20.6.2 Where the Federation consists of two Constituencies only, with the support of more than two-thirds of those voting in accordance with Article 20.5 residing (or who have chosen to be treated as if residing) within one or other of those Constituencies;
or
20.6.3 Where the Federation consists of more than two Constituencies, with the support of more than two-thirds of those voting in accordance with Article 20.5 residing (or who have chosen to be treated as if residing) within the majority of the Constituencies comprising the Federation.
For the avoidance of doubt, in tallying votes for the purposes of Articles 20.5.2 and 20.5.3, votes shall be counted by the Area Chairman on a Constituency by Constituency basis, and a shortfall in the requisite number of those voting for the motion from any one Constituency shall not be made good by counting the votes of those voting for the motion from any other Constituency.
20.7 Where a Federation comprises more than two Constituencies, the Members residing in (or who have chosen to be treated as if residing in) any one Constituency may leave the Federation and re- establish a separate Constituency Association for their Constituency in accordance with the provisions of Articles 20.2 to 20.6, which shall apply mutatis mutandis subject to the following differences:
20.7.1 Always subject to the provisions of Articles 20.2.1 and 20.2.2, no such motion as is referred to in Article 20.1.2 shall be considered unless the same shall have been proposed in writing by the Board or by no fewer than 50 Members or 10% of the Members residing (or who have chosen to be treated as if residing) within the particular Constituency which it is proposed should re-establish its own Constituency Association, whichever shall be the greater.
20.7.2 Only Members residing (or who have chosen to be treated as residing) within the particular Constituency which it is proposed should re-establish its own Constituency Association shall be balloted on the motion.
20.7.3 Such a motion shall carry, and shall only carry, with the support of more than two-thirds of those entitled to vote.
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20.8 In the event of a motion to dissolve a Federation and to re-establish separate Constituency Associations for each Constituency within the Federation carrying in accordance with Article 20.6,
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SCHEDULE 7A – RULES OF THE WALSALL CONSERVATIVE PARTY FEDERATIONS (cont)
20.8.1 As soon as reasonably practicable, the Chairman of the Federation shall inform the Board.
20.8.2 The Executive Council shall enter into immediate discussions with the Area Management Executive and the Board as to the re-establishment of separate Constituency Associations in accordance with Article 40 of the Constitution, and as to the arrangements therefor.
20.8.3 The Federation will be dissolved not less than 28 days and not more than 56 days thereafter on a date appointed by the Board in its absolute discretion.
20.9 In the event of a motion for any one Constituency within the Federation to leave the Federation and re-establish a separate Constituency Association for its Constituency carrying in accordance with Article 20.7,
20.9.1 As soon as reasonably practicable, the Chairman of the Federation shall inform the Board.
20.9.2 The Executive Council shall enter into immediate discussions with the Area Management Executive and the Board as to the re-establishment of a separate Constituency Association for the Constituency in question in accordance with Article 40 of the Constitution, and as to the arrangements therefor.
20.9.3 Not less than 28 days and not more than 56 days thereafter, on a date appointed by the Board in its absolute discretion, a separate Constituency Association shall be established for the Constituency leaving the Federation which shall nonetheless continue as a Federation of the remaining Constituencies comprised therein in accordance with these Rules and as though the Constituency leaving the Federation had never been part thereof.
20.10 Exceptionally, but in such circumstances as it shall in its absolute discretion determine, the Board may (i) dissolve a Federation and re-establish separate Constituency Associations for each Constituency within the Federation, or (ii) direct that any one Constituency within the Federation shall leave the Federation and re-establish a separate Constituency Association for its Constituency. Any such decision by the Board shall be notified to the Chairman of the Federation in writing, whereupon, as the case may be, the provisions of Articles 20.8.2 and 20.8.3 or 20.9.2 and 20.9.3 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
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ANNEX
RULES FOR A WALSALL WARD
NAME 1 The name of the Branch shall be the "........... Branch of the .......... Conservative Federation" hereinafter referred to as “the Branch”.
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FUNCTION 2 The function of the Branch shall be to carry out the objects as stated in Paragraph 2 of the Rules of the Federation so far as these apply to the Ward (or Polling District), subject to the directions of the Executive Council of the Federation.
MEMBERSHIP
3 Any person residing in or connected with the Ward or Polling District and who is a member of the Walsall Federation shall, if they so desire, be a member of the Branch.
4 The provisions of Paragraph 3.3 of the Rules of the Federation shall have effect to Branches for the purpose of attending and voting at general meetings of the Branch.
5 All members of the Branch shall be bound by these rules or any subsequent amendments thereto approved at a general meeting of the Branch.
6 The Secretary of the Branch (or such Officer of the Branch who is responsible for membership within the Branch) shall maintain, and furnish to the Executive Council of the Federation when requested, a full and up-to-date list of the names and addresses of the members of the Branch.
CONSTITUTION
7. The Branch is formed with the authority of the Executive Council of the Federation and is subject to the rules of the Federation.
8 The Branch Committee shall have power to raise funds and (subject to any direction of the Executive Council, including a direction preventing a Branch from holding a bank account) to control funds so raised, but such funds shall belong to the Federation. Any property other than cash in hand or monies on current or deposit account at the bank shall be vested in the trustees of the Federation in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17.1 of the Federation rules.
9 The Branch shall pay annually to the central fund of the Federation a quota agreed upon between the Executive Council and the Branch Committee.
10 All Branch accounts shall be submitted to audit or certification by a person or persons appointed by the Branch and a certified true copy of the duly audited or certificated statement of accounts shall be sent to the Treasurer of the Federation or, where that office is combined with that of Membership Deputy Chairman, to the Membership Deputy Chairman of the Federation immediately following the Annual General Meeting of the Branch.
11 The Branch Committee shall appoint not less than three signatories for Branch accounts, of whom any two shall be required to sign any necessary documents.
12 Upon request from the Chairman of the Federation or the Executive Council, a Branch shall provide forthwith such information as is requested relating to the affairs of the Branch, including information relating to finances and membership.
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ANNEX - RULES FOR A WALSALL WARD (cont) OFFICERS OF THE BRANCH
13 Each Branch shall consist of the following Officers: 13.1 A Chairman;
13.2 Two Deputy Chairmen, one of whom shall have particular responsibility for coordinating the formulation and development of policy ideas and initiatives, and political campaigning within the Branch; and the other shall have particular responsibility for fund-raising and membership within the Branch, and who also may be the Treasurer;
13.3 A Treasurer, where the office is not combined into that of one of the Deputy Chairmen; 13.4 A Secretary.
14 The Officers of the Branch shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Branch in accordance with paragraph 19 below.
15 No Officer shall hold the same office for more than three consecutive years save that the Branch Committee may, upon a motion put and voted upon by it by secret ballot, invite any Officer who has held the same office for three years to offer himself for re-election to that office for a fourth and final year.
16 If any Officer ceases to hold office either by death or by resignation, the Branch Committee shall have power to elect a successor until the next annual general meeting of the Branch.
17 The Officers shall be ex-officio members of all sub-committees of the Branch Committee. 18 BRANCH COMMITTEE
18.1 There shall be a Branch Committee consisting of the Officers of the Branch and 1 elected members.
18.2 The Chairman of the Branch shall be the Chairman of the Branch Committee and one of the nominated representatives on the Executive Council.
18.3 Meetings, Notices and Business
18.3.1 The Chairman shall have power to instruct the Secretary to convene a committee meeting at any time, of which not less than seven days' notice shall be given in writing, specifying the business to be dealt with, and at which the Secretary and Treasurer shall give reports.
18.3.2 A special meeting of the committee shall be held not less than a week before the annual general meeting of the Branch to approve the annual report and statement of accounts for presentation at the annual meeting of the Branch.
18.3.3 The committee shall have power to appoint sub-committees, and the Officers of the Branch shall be ex-officio members of such sub-committees.
18.3.4 Unless the Branch Committee decide otherwise, the sub-committees shall have power to elect their own Chairmen.
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18.4 Absence from Meetings Any member of the Branch Committee who is absent from three consecutive committee meetings shall be deemed to have forfeited his position on the committee unless the committee shall otherwise resolve.
18.5 Quorum The quorum of the Branch Committee and of its sub-committees shall be one-fifth of their respective members except that the quorum shall in no instance be less than three.
18.6 Co-option The Branch Committee shall have power to co-opt not more than six additional members. The sub-committees shall have such power of co-option as the Branch Committee shall determine.
18.7 The Branch Committee shall nominated up to 3 elected Ward officers as representatives on the Executive Council in accordance with Paragraph 6.1.4. of the Rules of the Constituency Federation.
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ANNEX - RULES FOR A WALSALL WARD (cont)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
19 The Annual General Meeting of the Branch shall be held before the end of March each year, but at least 14 days prior to the AGM of the Federation, for the following purposes:-
19.1 To receive and adopt the audited or certificated accounts of the Branch for the financial year ending 7 days prior to the date of the AGM ;
19.2 To receive and adopt the report of the Branch Committee on the work of the Branch for the year ending 7 days prior to the date of the AGM;
19.3 To elect the Officers of the Branch;
19.4 To elect the Branch Committee; 19.5 To appoint auditors or such other persons who may be qualified to certify accounts;
19.5 To transact such others business as may be brought before it.
20 Notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be given at least seven days before the date of the meeting.
20.1 Admission to the General meeting is by membership card supported by Photo ID in the event of ambiguity.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
21 A Special General Meeting of the Branch may be summoned at any time by the Chairman of the Branch or by any twenty members, acting together, who shall authorise the holding of a Special General Meeting within twenty-one days of the receipt of the report.
22 The business of the meeting shall be stated in the notice convening it, and at least seven days' notice shall be given.
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS
23 The provisions of Paragraph 11 of the Rules of the Constituency Federation shall apply mutatis mutandis.
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QUORUM AT GENERAL MEETINGS
24 For all General Meetings of the Branch the quorum shall be not less than 12 members.
VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS 25 The votes at all meetings may be taken, in the first instance, by a show of hands, but the Chairman at his discretion may direct a ballot to be taken, and shall so direct if requested to do so by one-third of the members present. The Chairman of the Branch shall have a second or casting vote in all cases where the voting is declared to be equal.
SUSPENSION OF BRANCH
26 When a Parliamentary General Election or By-Election in the Constituency takes place activities of the Branch shall be automatically suspended in accordance with Paragraph 16 of the Rules of the Constituency Federations.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES
27 The provisions of paragraph 15.3 of the Rules of the Constituency Federations shall have effect in relation to the selection of Local Government Candidates.
INTERPRETATION
28 Schedule 1 of the Constitution shall have effect in these Rules.
29 Subject to the approval of the Executive Council, the Branch Committee shall have power to deal with any matter not provided for in these Rules.
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ANNEX - RULES FOR WALSALL WARD (cont)
ALTERATION OF THE RULES 30 A General Meeting of the Branch shall have the power to amend, to add to, or to rescind such rules of the Branch which are not mandatory rules by a vote in favour of such a resolution consisting of not less than two-thirds of those present and voting at the meeting provided that any such change in the Rules shall not be inconsistent with the Mandatory Rules. Any amendment to the said Rules shall be submitted to the Executive Council for approval by it. 31 Notice of the proposed alteration must reach the Chairman of the Federation in writing at least fourteen days before the day of the meeting. Notice of the proposed alteration shall be given to members of the Federation at least seven days before the meeting in accordance with Paragraph 11.1 of the Rules of the Federation.
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