Sensible Britain
Constitution for Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1. Name
The name of the party shall be Sensible Britain.
2. Aims and Values
Sensible Britain exists to:
- Promote common sense, accountability, and integrity in public life.
- Provide a political platform rooted in practical policies, strong leadership, and public service.
- Contest elections and contribute to national and local political discourse across the United Kingdom.
3. Membership
3.1 Eligibility
Membership is open to all individuals aged 16 and over who support the aims and values of the party and are not members of a proscribed organisation.
3.2 Joining
Application for membership shall be made in writing or electronically and is subject to approval by the party.
3.3 Conduct
Members are expected to act in a manner that reflects the values and integrity of Sensible Britain. Conduct that brings the party into disrepute may result in disciplinary action or expulsion.
4. Structure and Governance
4.1 National Executive Committee (NEC)
The party shall be governed by a National Executive Committee consisting of:
- The Leader
- The Deputy Leader
- The Treasurer
- The General Secretary
- Up to five additional members elected by the membership
4.2 Responsibilities of the NEC
The NEC shall be responsible for:
- Day-to-day management of party affairs
- Oversight of finance, discipline, policy development, and communications
- Appointing election agents and approving candidates
- Preparing the party for incorporation as a company limited by guarantee
4.2 Regional Structure
Sensible Britain is registered as two legal entities under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, one for Great Britain and one for Northern Ireland.
Each entity shall operate under this shared constitution but shall maintain:
- Separate financial records
- Separate bank accounts
- Distinct donation processing
- Distinct financial reporting to the Electoral Commission
The same Officers shall serve for both regions, unless otherwise determined by internal election.
5. Officers of the Party
5.1 Interim Officers
Until the membership reaches fifty (50) verified members or until a national election is contested (whichever occurs first), the following interim officers shall serve:
- Bill White: Leader, Treasurer
- Max White, Nominating Officer
These interim officers shall oversee the initial operational, financial, and electoral setup of the party. Until formal internal elections take place, Bill White shall serve as the Interim Leader of Sensible Britain, empowered to manage operational affairs and represent the party in official matters.
5.2 Election of Officers
Once the threshold is met, the NEC shall initiate elections for:
- Leader
- Deputy Leader
- Treasurer
- General Secretary
Nominations must be supported by three members and submitted electronically. Elections shall be conducted via secure online ballot, open to all verified members. Each to be elected by a majority vote of the full membership, subject to nomination procedures defined by the NEC.
6. Policy and Manifesto
Policy decisions and the development of the party’s manifesto shall be led by the NEC and ratified by a vote of the membership at a national conference or via secure electronic ballot.
7. Finance
7.1 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep accurate financial records for both the Great Britain and Northern Ireland registers and ensure full compliance with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
Financial arrangements must reflect the requirements set out in the party’s adopted Financial Scheme, which includes separate bank accounts and reporting procedures for each register.
The Treasurer shall keep accurate financial records and ensure compliance with legal and Electoral Commission requirements.
7.2 Financial Year
The financial year shall run from 1 January to 31 December.
7.3 Audits
Annual financial statements shall be submitted to the Electoral Commission and published for transparency.
7.4 Donations
All donations must be directed clearly to either the GB or NI register and deposited only into the relevant regional account. Online donation systems shall be designed to ensure this separation is maintained.
8. Incorporation
8.1 Intention to Incorporate
It is the intention of Sensible Britain to incorporate, at a suitable time, as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 2006.
8.2 Member Consent
All members, by joining the party, consent in advance to the transfer of party operations to a corporate entity and to abide by its Memorandum and Articles of Association when formed.
8.3 Directors Upon Incorporation
At the point of incorporation, the current officers of the party shall become the initial directors of the new company, including the Leader, Deputy Leader, Treasurer, and General Secretary.
9. Emblem and Branding
The official emblem of Sensible Britain shall be the logo featuring the rising red sun and horizon in red, white, and blue, as registered with the Electoral Commission. All branding and use of party marks must be approved by the NEC.
10. Candidate Selection and Elections
The NEC shall approve all parliamentary and council candidates based on:
- Integrity
- Commitment to the party’s principles
- Community involvement Selection shall be conducted through application and interview, with optional local hustings or consultation.
11. Meetings
11.1 National Conference
The party shall hold an annual National Conference open to all members, where reports shall be given and motions may be submitted.
11.2 NEC Meetings
The NEC shall meet at least quarterly, in person or virtually. Emergency meetings may be called by the Leader or two NEC members.
12. Disciplinary Process
Any member accused of misconduct shall be entitled to a fair hearing before a Disciplinary Panel appointed by the NEC. Outcomes may include:
- Censure
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Decisions may be appealed in writing to an independent review panel.
13. Constitutional Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution must be:
- Proposed by the NEC or by at least 10% of the membership
- Ratified by two-thirds majority of members voting at a National Conference or via electronic ballot
14. Dissolution
Should the party dissolve, all remaining funds and assets shall be distributed to a charitable or political body in line with the party’s values, as determined by the NEC.
Adopted: 18 April 2025
Signatures and Names are Contained within the PDF Documents:
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