Constitution
(Awaiting EC Approval)
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1: The Political Party
1.1: The Party name is "Choice".
1.1.1: Any Party descriptions must comply with relevant Electoral Commission guidelines.
1.1.2: Herein, "Choice" will also be referred to as the "Party".
1.1.3: Herein, "AGM" stands for "Annual General Meeting".
1.1.4: Herein, "UK" stands for "United Kingdom".
1.2: The Party will aim to run candidates in all UK elections.
1.3: The Party will maintain registration with the Electoral Commission.
1.3.1: The Party will comply with the current Political Parties and Elections Act which will take precedent should there be a conflict between this constitution and the Act.
1.3.2: The Party will comply with all relevant data protection laws.
1.4: The registered Party Leader will be the person elected to become UK Leader.
1.4.1: During the UK Leader's elected term, the UK Leader will not be permitted to vote in any internal party elections or policy decisions.
1.4.2: The UK Leader is elected by the UK wide membership.
1.4.3: The nominees for the position of UK Leader can only come from either one of the four National Leaders, or by any elected MP that is also a member of the Party.
1.4.3.1: If the Party is able to form a government in Westminster Parliament, or is in opposition to the government then only elected party MPs may run to become UK Leader.
1.4.4: The UK Leader may resign by giving a minimum of 1 calendar month's notice in writing to the Director of Member Services.
1.4.4.1: The UK Leader's resignation may only be a maximum of 1 calendar year's notice in writing to the Director of Member Services.
1.4.5: The UK Leader's term is renewed annually.
1.4.5.1: The incumbent UK Leader is automatically nominated each year except where a valid resignation has been submitted or where they are no longer eligible to stand for nomination.
1.4.5.2: The position of UK Leader will automatically be renewed for a further term if no other nominations have been received within one calendar month of the date of vote.
1.4.5.3: Eligible members may notify the Director of Member Services in writing at least one calendar month ahead of the day of vote.
1.4.5.4: The Director of Member Services must notify the eligible members of the nominations a minimum of 28 days ahead of the day of vote.
1.4.5.5: The Director of Member Services must administrate the vote according to section 6 on the constitution.
1.4.5.6: The Director of Member Services must notify the Party Treasurer of the election outcome and the Party Membership of the outcome within seven days.
1.4.6: The registered Party Leader must not hold any other party officer position as registered with the Electoral Commission.
1.4.6.1: The registered Party Leader must not hold any administrative position as appointed by the Director of Member Services.
1.4.6.2: The registered Party Leader must not be a member of the Constitutional Committee.
1.5: The registered Party Treasurer and a Deputy Treasurer will be appointed by the Director of Member Services.
1.5.1: The Party's Treasurer does not require to be a member of the Party.
1.5.2: The Party's Treasurer may be a person representing an independent accountant's office.
1.5.3: The Party's Treasurer may resign by giving a minimum of 1 month's notice in writing to the Director of Member Services.
1.5.3.1: The Director of Member Services must appoint a new Treasurer no later than the date the incumbent Treasurer resigns.
1.5.3.2: Both the outgoing Treasurer and the incoming Treasurer will jointly inform the Electoral Commission within 14 days of the date of change.
1.5.4: The registered Treasurer must notify the Electoral Commission of all resignations and changes to Party Officers within seven days of receipt of notification.
1.5.5: The registered Treasurer can be suspended with immediate notice by the Director of Member Services. (See note - 1.5.5.8)
1.5.5.1: The Director of Member Services must inform the Constitutional Committee of the suspension of the Treasurer immediately by any means of communication then follow up in writing.
1.5.5.2: The Constitutional Committee will seek reasons for the suspension of the Treasurer.
1.5.5.3: The Constitutional Committee must then convene a meeting within seven days to hear evidence for the suspension and to also hear evidence in defence of the Treasurer.
1.5.5.4: The Constitutional Committee will then vote on whether to end the suspension of the Treasurer, or whether to terminate the Treasurer by giving one month's notice in writing with the reasons for the decision.
1.5.5.5: The Constitutional Committee may decide to reconvene the initial meeting until a later date of up to one calendar month if requested to do so by the Treasurer. The decision whether to reconvene later or not must be given to both the Treasurer and the Director of Member Services in writing within seven days.
1.5.5.6: The Treasurer has the right to attend all of these meetings.
1.5.5.7: In the circumstance that the Treasurer is an employee of Choice Member Services Limited, then the Constitutional Committee must comply with current employment legislation.
1.5.5.8: During the term of the Treasurer's suspension, the Deputy Treasurer will immediately take over the responsibilities and notify the Electoral Commission within 14 days.
1.6: The registered Nomination Officer and Deputy Nomination Officer will be appointed by the Director of Member Services.
1.6.1: The registered Nomination Officer does not have to be a member of the Party.
1.6.1.1: The registered Nomination Officer may also be an employee of Choice Member Services Limited.
1.6.2: The Nomination Officer will authorise all Local Leaders to be responsible for signing Proposed Candidate's Certificates of Authorisation.
1.6.3: The Nomination Officer may resign by giving a minimum of one month's notice in writing to the Director of Member Services.
1.6.3.1: The Director of Member Services must appoint a new Nomination Officer no later than the date the incumbent Nomination Officer resigns.
1.6.3.2: The Director of Member Services must notify the Treasurer of the change of Nomination Officer within seven days.
1.6.4: The Nomination Officer can be suspended with immediate notice by the Director of Member Services. (See note - 1.6.4.8)
1.6.4.1: The Director of Member Services must inform the Constitutional Committee of the suspension of the Nomination Officer immediately.
1.6.4.2: The Constitutional Committee will seek reasons for the suspension of the Nomination Officer.
1.6.4.3: The Constitutional Committee must then convene a meeting within seven days to hear evidence for the suspension and to also hear evidence in defence of the Nomination Officer.
1.6.4.4: The Constitutional Committee will then vote on whether to end the suspension of the Nomination officer, or whether to terminate the Nomination Officer by giving one month's notice in writing with the reasons for the decision.
1.6.4.5: The Constitutional Committee may decide to reconvene the initial meeting until a later date of up to one calendar month if requested to do so by the Nomination Officer. The decision whether to reconvene later or not must be given to both the Nomination Officer and the Director of Member Services in writing within seven days.
1.6.4.6: The Nomination Officer has the right to attend all of these meetings.
1.6.4.7: As the Nomination Officer is an employee of Choice Member Services Limited, then the Constitutional Committee must comply with current employment legislation.
1.6.4.8: During the term of the Nomination Officer's suspension, the Deputy Nomination Officer will immediately take over the responsibilities.
1.6.4.9: The Director of Member Services will notify the Treasurer of the change of Nomination Officer within seven days.
1.7: The Party Chairperson will be appointed by the Director of Member Services.
1.7.1: The Party Chairperson is responsible for the organisation of all official party meetings.
1.7.1.1: The Party Chairperson may delegate the responsibilities where necessary.
1.7.1.2: The Party Chairperson is responsible for recording all official meetings and publishing those meetings when required.
1.7.1.3: The Party Chairperson may delegate recording and publishing responsibilities to a Secretary.
1.7.2: The Party Chairperson will be an employee of Choice Member Services Limited.
1.7.3: The Party Chairperson may resign by giving one calendar month's notice in writing to the Director of Member Services.
1.7.3.1: The Director of Member Services must appoint a new Party Chairperson no later than the date the incumbent Chairperson resigns.
1.7.4: The Party Chairperson can be suspended with immediate notice by the Director of Member Services.
1.7.4.1: The Director of Member Services must inform the Constitutional Committee of the suspension of the Party Chairperson immediately.
1.7.4.2: The Constitutional Committee will seek reasons for the suspension of the Party Chairperson.
1.7.4.3: The Constitutional Committee must then convene a meeting within seven days to hear evidence for the suspension and to also hear evidence in defence of the Party Chairperson.
1.7.4.4: The Constitutional Committee will then vote on whether to end the suspension of the Party Chairperson, or whether to terminate the Party Chairperson by giving one month's notice in writing with the reasons for the decision.
1.7.4.5: The Constitutional Committee may decide to reconvene the initial meeting until a later date of up to one calendar month if requested to do so by the Party Chairperson. The decision whether to reconvene later or not must be given to both the Party Chairperson and the Director of Member Services in writing within seven days.
1.7.4.6: The Party Chairperson has the right to attend all of these meetings.
1.7.4.7: As the Party Chairperson is an employee of Choice Member Services Limited, then the Constitutional Committee must comply with current employment legislation.
1.8: The Director of Member Services and a Deputy Director of Member Services is appointed by the Constitutional Committee.
1.8.1: The Director of Member Services will be recorded as a Director of Choice Member Services Limited.
1.8.1.1: The Director of Member Services must comply with the laws of Company Directors and other relevant laws.
1.8.2: The Director of Member Services is responsible for the overall operations of Choice Member Services Limited.
1.8.2.1: The Director of Member Services can employ any staff or contractors as required.
1.8.2.2: The Director of Member Services can authorise others to employ any staff or contractors as required.
1.8.3: The Director of Member Services is appointed for a fixed term as determined by the Constitutional Committee.
1.8.3.1: The minimum term offered for a Director of Member Services is five years.
1.8.4: The Director of Member Services can be removed from the position if they fail to comply with section 1.8.1.1 of the Constitution.
1.8.4.1: The Constitutional Committee must investigate complaints received about the Director of Member Services failing to abide by section 1.8.1.1 of the Constitution.
1.8.4.2: The Constitutional Committee must inform the Director of Member Services of the outcome of that investigation.
1.8.4.3: If the out come of the investigation is that the complaint is considered to be valid, the Constitutional Committee must decide whether to take any further action.
1.8.4.3.1: Further action will be limited to either: 1) No further action; 2) Formal written warning; 3) Removal of the person from the position of Director of Member Services.
1.8.4.3.2: The Director of Member Services must be given a minimum of one month's notice of their removal.
1.8.5: During any period of absence, voluntarily or involuntarily, the Deputy of Member Services will assume responsibilities until the Director of Member Services returns to the position or the Constitutional Committee appoint a new Director of Member Services.
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2: Party Structure
2.1: Leadership.
2.1.1: The leadership team will be made up of Local Leaders who reside in and are elected by local members in each local authority.
2.1.1.1: Local Leaders will produce their own local policies and local manifesto for which members will elect them upon.
2.1.1.2: Local Leaders can propose policies for consideration at regional, national and UK levels.
2.1.2: The Local Leaders elected will be eligible to be elected to the position of Regional Leader.
2.1.2.1: Regional Leaders will review Local Leader policy proposals for regional policies.
2.1.2.2: Regional Leaders will seek the consensus of the region's Local Leaders as to what regional proposals become regional policies.
2.1.3: The Regional Leaders will be eligible to be elected to the position of National Leader.
2.1.3.1: National Leaders will review Local Leader policy proposals for national policies.
2.1.3.2: National Leaders will seek the consensus of the nation's Regional Leaders as to what regional proposals become regional policies.
2.1.4: The National Leaders will be eligible to be elected to the position of UK Leader.
2.1.4.1: The UK Leader will review National Leader policy proposals for UK policies.
2.1.4.2: The UK Leader will seek the consensus of the UK's National Leaders as to what UK proposals become UK policies.
2.1.4.3: The UK Leader cannot vote upon which UK proposals become UK policies.
2.1.5: Leadership teams are responsible in the first instance for putting forward manifestos.
2.1.5.1: The administrative teams are responsible for assisting the Leadership teams where possible.
2.2: Constitutional Committee.
2.2.1: The Constitutional Committee will be made up of Constitutional Members who reside and are elected by local members in each local authority.
2.2.1.1: The Constitutional Committee will elect one committee member to be the spokesperson on behalf of committee decisions.
2.2.1.2: The Constitutional Committee will meet on a quarterly basis.
2.2.2: The Constitutional Committee members are responsible for the maintenance of the Party's Constitution.
2.2.2.1: Constitutional Committee members can raise agenda items for discussion by notifying the Party Chairperson.
2.2.2.2: Constitutional Committee members will vote to decide whether to send the agenda item to a sub committee for further discussion and decision.
2.2.2.2.1: 10% of the attending Committee Members must vote for a sub-committee to be formed to discuss an agenda and come to a decision.
2.2.2.2.2: Some Agenda items may require a mandatory decision in which case a vote is not required.
2.2.2.2.3: Any sub committee must be a random selection, by the Administrative Team, of 12 committee members where more than 12 constitutional committee members exist within the UK.
2.2.3: Where an emergency decision is required, as defined in the procedure manual, a Sub Committee can be formed without waiting for the quarterly Constitutional Committee meeting.
2.2.3.1: Where the Chairperson is unavailable, or the subject of the agenda, a Director can initiate an emergency Sub Committee and appoint an interim Chairperson.
2.2.4: Any Constitutional Committee member may resign by giving the Chairperson one month's notice.
2.2.4.1: The Constitutional Committee vacancy will remain vacant until the next Constitutional Committee election.
2.3: Administrative Team.
2.3.1: The Administrative Team is made up of departments within Choice Member Services Ltd.
2.3.1.1: The Administrative Team is led by the Director of Member Services.
2.3.2: The Treasurer and the Nomination Officer will be senior management of Choice Member Services Ltd.
2.3.2.1: The Constitutional Committee may appoint one of both to become registered Directors.
2.3.3: The Party Chairperson will be a senior manager of Choice Member Services Ltd.
2.3.4: Directors and senior managers can employ administrative staff following a budget approval by the Treasurer.
2.3.4.1: Employed staff will become members of the Administrative Team.
2.3.4.2: All staff and Directors are subject to current employment legislation.
2.4: Annual General Meetings will be held every year on the 2nd Saturday of February.
2.4.1: An AGM may be delayed if there are circumstances deemed necessary to do so by the Party Chairperson.
2.4.1.1: If an AGM is delayed, it must not be delayed for any longer than three calendar months.
2.4.2: AGMs can be held by online conference.
2.4.2.1: Any voting required at an AGM can be counted by electronic or online means.
2.4.2.2: Any vote result must be announced before the end of the AGM.
2.4.3: The AGM agenda will consist of:
2.4.3.1: The Party Chairperson welcoming members and explaining event etiquette.
2.4.3.2: The Director of Member Services giving the membership report.
2.4.3.3: The Treasurer giving the treasury report.
2.4.3.4: The Nomination Officer giving the election and candidacy reports.
2.4.3.5: Any other competent business.
2.4.3.6: The Party Leader closing the meeting with their speech.
2.5: The Party will maintain the positions as described in the constitution except by unanimous decision during a Sub Committee meeting.
2.6: Agenda items to be raised during any other competent business must be submitted to the Party Chairperson no later that one calendar month prior to the AGM date.
2.6.1: Agenda items raised must include the proposer name and contain the supporting signature, or electronic signature, of a minimum of five additional current members.
2.6.1.1: All members of the party, including anyone with a position within the party, may propose or include their supporting signature.
2.6.1.2: The Party Chairperson can, at their sole discretion, amend proposed agenda items should there be similar or duplicate proposals.
2.6.1.3: Amended proposals must be published in their original proposed format during the agenda announcement in 2.7 with a brief explanation.
2.7: The Party Chairperson will announce the agenda by publishing it on the party's website a minimum of two weeks prior to the date of the AGM.
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3: Policies
3.1: Policies are produced by the elected Leaders as directed in section 3.2.
3.1.1: Policies produced must be progressively libertarian.
3.1.1.1: Policies contested will be investigated by the Constitutional Committee.
3.1.1.2: The Constitutional Committee can ask the policy producers to demonstrate that their policy meets the condition described under 3.1.1.
3.1.1.3: If the policy producer cannot reasonable demonstrate that their policy does meet the condition of 3.1.1, then the Constitutional Committee may ask for the policy to be removed from official publications.
3.2: Local Leaders will produce their own local policies for their own local authority elections by producing a manifesto for their own Local Leader election each year.
3.2.1: Local Leaders can vote on policy proposals for regional issues.
3.2.1.1: Regional Leaders will produce the policies and manifesto positions as voted for by Local Leaders within their region.
3.2.2: Regional Leaders can vote on policy proposals for national issues.
3.2.2.1: National Leaders will produce the policies and manifesto positions as voted for by Regional Leaders within their nation.
3.3: Members elected to government positions may vote in any way they perceive to be the best direction for the Party to represent the elected person's constituents.
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4: Code of Conduct for Members
4.1: All members agree to abide by the code of conduct.
4.2: Data Protection
4.2.1: Members will abide by the current data protection laws as they are at present and as they change in the future.
4.3: Internal Procedures
4.3.1: Members will abide by the constitution and by the internal procedure manual for communications and actions where required.
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5: Disciplinary Procedures
5.1: Full Disciplinary Procedures will be available to view in the disciplinary procedure section of the Procedure Manual.
5.1.1: The Disciplinary procedure must be overseen by the Constitutional Committee and any changes made by a two-thirds majority vote by a Sub-Committee.
5.2: Disciplinary procedures must not include the option of removing an individual's membership.
5.3: Disciplinary procedures will be limited to the following options:
5.3.1: No further action.
5.3.2: Written warning.
5.3.3: Final written warning.
5.3.4: Suspension from future nomination to internal elections for a period of up to five years.
5.3.5: Suspension from future appointments to the administrative team for a period of up to five years.
5.3.6: Suspension from representing the Party as a Candidate for a period of up to five years.
5.3.7: Suspension from representing the Party in any media for a period of up to five years.
5.4: Disciplinary requests must be raised with the Constitutional Committee.
5.4.1: The Constitutional Committee will decide whether to organise a Sub Committee to make a decision.
5.4.2: Where a Sub Committee is not instructed then the default action for disciplinary is 5.3.1: No further action.
5.4.3: The disciplinary manual must include guidelines for sub committees to follow when deciding what level of action to take.
5.5: Accused persons will have a right attend to hear evidence as presented and make a defence presentation.
5.5.1: Accused persons will have the right to be notified in advance of any hearing.
5.5.2: Anyone involved in making the accusation cannot be part of the Sub-Committee charged with investigating and applying the disciplinary procedures.
5.6: An appeals process must be made available in the disciplinary procedure manual.
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6: Internal Party Elections
6.1: All internal Party elections to elected positions or candidate selections will be by democratic vote.
6.1.1: Voting processes will be by the Single Transferrable Vote system.
6.1.2: Voting will be by electronic means.
6.1.3: Voting security will be the responsibility of the Director of Member Services.
6.1.3.1: Voting security complaints will be investigated upon receipt of reasonable grounds by the Constitutional Committee.
6.1.3.1.1: The Constitutional Committee can demand a full audit where necessary as part of any investigation.
6.1.3.1.2: If an audit is demanded then it has to be performed by an independent auditor.
6.1.3.1.3: If the independent auditor finds any discrepancies, then those discrepancies must be rectified.
6.1.3.1.4: If the rectified discrepancies alter the outcome of the original vote, then the new result takes immediate effect.
6.1.3.2: Voting processes may be observed by independent adjudicators appointed by the Constitutional Committee.
6.1.3.3: Voting processes may be observed by independent adjudicators appointed by the National Leaders.
6.1.3.4: All individuals and organisations must comply with current data protection laws and data protection agreements.
6.2: Constitutional Committee Elections will take place in the seven days leading up to the second Saturday each February.
6.2.1: Nominations for the Constitutional Committee must be submitted by electronic means to the Director of Member Services.
6.2.1.1: Nominees for the Constitutional Committee can only be elected to represent their own local area.
6.2.1.2: Nominees for the Constitutional Committee must not be in any managerial position directly within the Choice Member Services business.
6.2.1.2.1: People in managerial positions within companies owned by the Choice Party or the Choice Member Services business are not excluded from becoming elected members of the Constitutional Committee.
6.2.3: Nominations close on the second last Saturday in January at 2000 hours GMT.
6.2.4: Verified nominees will be announced within 52 hours of the close of Nominations.
6.2.5: Voting will open by electronic means on the first Saturday of February at 0800 hours GMT.
6.2.6: Voting will close on the Second Saturday of February at 0800 hours GMT.
6.2.7: Election results will be announced at the AGM on the Second Saturday in February.
6.2.7.1: The newly elected Constitutional Committee takes their elected positions upon the announcement of the vote results at the AGM.
6.3: Local Leaders Elections will take place in the seven days leading up to the second Saturday each July.
6.3.1: Nominations for the Local Leaders must be submitted by electronic means to the Director of Member Services.
6.3.1.1: Nominees for the Local Leaders can only be elected to represent their own local area.
6.3.1.2: Nominees for the Local Leaders must not be in any managerial position directly within the Choice Member Services business.
6.3.1.2.1: People in managerial positions within companies owned by the Choice Party or the Choice Member Services business are not excluded from becoming elected members of the Local Leaders.
6.3.3: Nominations close on the second last Saturday in June at 2000 hours GMT.
6.3.4: Verified nominees will be announced within 52 hours of the close of Nominations.
6.3.5: Voting will open by electronic means on the first Saturday of July at 0800 hours GMT.
6.3.6: Voting will close on the Second Saturday of July at 0800 hours GMT.
6.3.7: Election results will be announced within 52 hours of the close of voting.
6.3.7.1: The newly elected Local Leaders takes their elected positions upon the announcement of the vote results.
6.4: Regional Leaders Elections will take place in the seven days leading up to the second Saturday each September.
6.4.1: Nominations for the Regional Leaders must be submitted by electronic means to the Director of Member Services.
6.4.1.1: Nominees for the Regional Leaders can only be elected to represent their own local area.
6.4.1.2: Nominees for the Regional Leaders must not be in any managerial position directly within the Choice Member Services business.
6.4.1.2.1: People in managerial positions within companies owned by the Choice Party or the Choice Member Services business are not excluded from becoming elected members of the Regional Leaders.
6.4.3: Nominations close on the second last Saturday in August at 2000 hours GMT.
6.4.4: Verified nominees will be announced within 52 hours of the close of Nominations.
6.4.5: Voting will open by electronic means on the first Saturday of September at 0800 hours GMT.
6.4.6: Voting will close on the Second Saturday of September at 0800 hours GMT.
6.4.7: Election results will be announced within 52 hours of the close of voting.
6.4.7.1: The newly elected Regional Leaders takes their elected positions upon the announcement of the vote results.
6.5: National Leaders Elections will take place in the seven days leading up to the second Saturday each November.
6.5.1: Nominations for the National Leaders must be submitted by electronic means to the Director of Member Services.
6.5.1.1: Nominees for the National Leaders can only be elected to represent their own local area.
6.5.1.2: Nominees for the National Leaders must not be in any managerial position directly within the Choice Member Services business.
6.5.1.2.1: People in managerial positions within companies owned by the Choice Party or the Choice Member Services business are not excluded from becoming elected members of the National Leaders.
6.5.3: Nominations close on the second last Saturday in October at 2000 hours GMT.
6.5.4: Verified nominees will be announced within 52 hours of the close of Nominations.
6.5.5: Voting will open by electronic means on the first Saturday of November at 0800 hours GMT.
6.5.6: Voting will close on the Second Saturday of November at 0800 hours GMT.
6.5.7: Election results will be announced within 52 hours of the close of voting.
6.5.7.1: The newly elected National Leaders takes their elected positions upon the announcement of the vote results.
6.6: The UK Leader Elections will take place in the seven days leading up to the second Saturday each January.
6.6.1: Nominations for the UK Leader must be submitted by electronic means to the Director of Member Services.
6.6.1.1: Nominees for the UK Leader must not be in any managerial position directly within the Choice Member Services business.
6.6.1.1.1: People in managerial positions within companies owned by the Choice Party or the Choice Member Services business are not excluded from becoming elected as the UK Leader.
6.6.2: Nominations close on the second last Saturday in December at 2000 hours GMT.
6.6.3: Verified nominees will be announced within 52 hours of the close of Nominations.
6.6.4: Voting will open by electronic means on the first Saturday of January at 0800 hours GMT.
6.6.5: Voting will close on the Second Saturday of January at 0800 hours GMT.
6.6.6: Superstitious beliefs should not be tolerated.
6.6.7: The UK Leader election result will be announced within 52 hours of the close of voting.
6.6.7.1: The newly elected UK Leader will take their elected position upon the announcement of the vote results.
6.7: The right of recall for local members to revoke a local leader's election can be exercised by notifying the Director of Member Services no earlier than two calendar months following their election.
6.7.1: The member making the proposal should give reasons in their request.
6.7.2: The administrative team will issue the request to all the local members.
6.7.2.1: This request will only be carried out if the number of members within that local authority area exceeds 100 in total.
6.7.3: The local members can then vote electronically over a time period of 31 days to decide whether to recall the local leader to a new election.
6.7.4: If more than 50% of the local members vote to recall the local leader, where the turnout exceeds 50% of the local membership, then a new election will be arranged and the administration will inform the membership.
6.7.5: The incumbent has the right to stand for re-election.
6.7.6: Only one Right of Recall election can be held within each annual term.
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7: Complaint Procedure
7.1: Choice will have a complaint procedure within the Party's Procedure Manual.
7.2: Complaints, in the first instance will be addressed to the Chairperson.
7.2.1: Where the Chairperson is unavailable, the Director of Members Services can appoint a temporary replacement.
7.3: Complaints will be raised at the earliest Constitutional Committee meeting.
7.3.1: The Constitutional Committee may appoint a Sub Committee to investigate and come to a decision about a complaint.
7.4: All complaints will be processed in compliance with current data protection laws.
7.5: Any complaints about Party finances or electoral law, will be processed in accordance with current electoral commission guidelines.
7.6: The decision or outcome of any complaint will be passed on to the original complainant where necessary.
7.7: The complaints procedure will include details of how to appeal the Sub Committee's decision.
8: Transparency
8.1: Choice will publish all formal internal meetings of the Leadership and Constitutional Committee.
8.1.1: Redactions can be made for the purpose of data protection laws.
8.1.2: Time sensitive meetings can be withheld from publication until up to 90 days after the subject.
9: Ending a Membership
9.1: Membership can only be ended by the decision of the member themselves, except in the following circumstances:
9.1.1: Membership can be ended by the administration team following the death of the member.
9.1.2: Membership can be ended by the administration team where the member is legally mentally incapable of agreeing to continue their membership voluntarily.
9.1.2.1: Choice Party will not accept, or continue, membership agreements made through someone with Power of Attorney.
9.1.3: Membership can be ended by a constitutional sub committee decision if it is subsequently discovered that the individual has fraudulently provided incorrect information to register.
9.1.3.1: The administration team can temporarily suspend any membership until a sub committee makes a decision at their next scheduled meeting.
9.1.4: Membership is ended automatically upon default, or by termination of the member's Direct Debit agreement with the service provider.
9.2: Upon the ending of a membership, any membership fees paid are non refundable.
9.2.1: Any donations made to Choice are non refundable.
9.3: Members who are subsequently found to be a member of another political party without prior written permission will be referred to the Constitutional Committee. A Sub Committee can then ask the member to end their opposing membership or have their current membership ended with Choice.
9.4: Within 90 days of a membership ending, Choice Party and Choice Member Services will permanently delete any personal information held on that individual.
10: The Company
10.1: The Company Name will be Choice Member Services Ltd.
10.2: The Company will have a minimum of one Director.
10.3: The Company will be owned exclusively by the Party.
10.3.1: The Party may not sell any shares in the company to any third party.
10.4: The Company Directors will be accountable to the Constitutional Committee of the Party.
10.5: The Company will seek to invest in opportunities in line with the Party's Principles.
10.5.1: Members may seek investment from the Company in third party investment opportunities.
10.5.2: Collaboration will be at the discretion of Directors.
11: Core Principles
11.1: The Party will be guided by these core principles in all aspects, including policy production, party procedures and investment opportunities.
11.2: The Party will aim towards a voluntarist future.
11.3: The Party will resist the use or infliction of coercion, fear, force, or harm, against other individuals.
11.4: The Party will ensure a zero debt policy.
11.4.1: Zero new debts should be accrued by government.
11.4.2: Old debt should be paid off and cleared.
11.4.3: Income to financial budgets should exceed the outgoings each political term.
11.4.4: Where Income does not exceed outgoings in any individual term, then policies must be produced to counter the overspend.
11.5: The Party will promote the sovereignty, free will of individuals and also the freedom of association, choice, expression, movement, opinion, speech, belief, and thought.
11.6: The party will promote the devolution of power from central governments to local governments and individuals.
12: Party Finances
12.1: Party finances will be managed by the Treasurer, or by someone appointed by the Director of member Services where the Treasurer is not an employee of Choice Member Services.
12.1.1: The Treasurer will be responsible for the opening and closing of bank accounts.
12.2: The Treasurer can appoint assistants who can also countersign on budgets or accounts.
12.2.1 The Treasurer can appoint individuals to assist with financial reports and other administrative obligations.
12.3: The Treasurer, and Choice, will comply with the current financial regulations and assist the Electoral Commission with any reasonable enquiries that may arise.
12.4: The Treasurer will meet with the Directors of Choice Member Services on a monthly basis to decide the upcoming budgets.
12.4.1: The Treasurer will provide a financial report to the Constitutional Committee on a quarterly basis for both the Party and Choice Member Services.
12.4.2: The Treasurer will produce the end of year accounts for the Party and submit it to the Electoral Commission.
12.5: The Treasurer will be responsible for submitting any election expense reports to the Electoral Commission or Local Authorities.
12.6: Membership fees will be collected by Choice Member Services as part of their service contract.
12.6.1: Choice Member Services will supply an invoice for the membership fees each month to the Party as payment for the administrative services provided.
12.7: The Treasurer will invest a minimum of 10% of all donations received by the Party.
12.7.1: All donations over £500 in value in any consecutive twelve months will be published on the website with the donor's name.