APPENDIX A
RESOLUTION AND
REGULATIONS
1. It is expedient that there should be
a category of Crossbench peers who are "Independent",
which category does not necessarily include all peers who do not
take a party Whip.
2. Any peer not classified as a Crossbencher
on 8 February 2001 who wishes to be an "Independent"
(other than a peer granted a peerage upon the recommendation of
the Independent Appointments Commission) shall inform the Convenor
in writing whether (a) he or she is, or (b) he or she has in the
last two years been, substantially connected (as defined below)
with a political party.
3. A person is or has been substantially
connected with a political party if he or she:
(a) has taken the Whip of a political party
in the House of Lords; the House of Commons; the European Parliament,
or any national or regional assembly or local or municipal council,
(b) has stood as a candidate for a political
party in an election for any of these bodies,
(c) held national or local office in a political
party or acted as a political agent for any candidate of a political
party,
(d) given £5,000 or its equivalent to
a political party, or
(e) been a member of a political party.
4. If he or she is or has so been connected
he or she shall not be eligible to be an Independent.
5. A peer who wishes to be classified as
an "Independent" Crossbencher shall provide to the Convenor
a declaration in writing stating whether he or she has been so
connected.
6. An applicant who is in any doubt as to
the meaning of the definition, or as to its application to his
or her circumstances, should consult the Convenor before making
his or her declaration.
7. The fact that a peer is not classified
as an Independent will not deprive him or her of any of the rights
or services at present available to Crossbenchers.
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