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Political Parties and Elections Bill

Perhaps I may press the Minister a little further. There are concerns around this issue and the noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, has given a number of interesting scenarios. How many people does the Minister think will be inhibited from joining the commission because of a 12-month ban who would otherwise join at 24 months? If we double the period, how many people would that rule out? The balance of risk and reward lies with a longer period. The number of people—including those who would make really good commission employees—who would be inhibited because of a 24-month ban as opposed to a 12-month ban would be infinitesimal. In response to the noble Lord’s point about wanting to go to the commission within 12 months of leaving a political party, I wonder why someone is going—whatever the party.