New section 55D sets out the procedure that must be followed before a notice can be issued by the leader of a political party to the Speaker. In order to be effective, a notice from the parliamentary leader of a political party must be accompanied by a statement in writing, signed by that leader, indicating that the parliamentary leader reasonably believes that the member of Parliament concerned has acted in a way that has distorted, and is likely to continue to distort, the proportionality of political party representation in Parliament as determined at the last general election.
The statement must also indicate that the parliamentary leader has delivered to the member of Parliament concerned written notice—
informing the member that the parliamentary leader considers that the relevant provisions apply to the member, and the reasons for that opinion; and
advising the member that he or she has 21 working days from the date of receiving the notice to respond to the matters raised in the notice by notice in writing addressed to the parliamentary leader.
Additionally, the statement must indicate that, after consideration of the conduct of the member and his or her response (if any) by the parliamentary members of the political party for which the member was elected, the parliamentary leader of that party confirms that at least two-thirds of the parliamentary members of that party agree that notice should be given by the parliamentary leader under new section 55A(3)(b).
Finally, the statement must confirm that all other requirements imposed by the rules of the political party for which the member was elected that relate to the giving of a notice under new section 55A(3)(b) have been complied with, or that the party’s rules impose no such further requirements.