Anne Marie is backing a campaign initiated by Zac Goldsmith MP, to create a real power of recall for constituents, to ensure that MPs are held accountable for any potential wrongdoing. The Government proposed a Recall Bill in the Queens Speech this year, however Anne Marie and other MPs do not believe it goes far enough.
The campaign proposes that if an agreed percentage of eligible voters sign a petition calling for their MP to be ‘recalled’, a referendum must be held. If more than half of those taking part vote for their MP to be recalled, a by-election must follow. This will place the power to hold MPs to account in the hands of hard working people.
Anne Marie supports efforts for change to the current system so that where an MP has been convicted of a serious offence or given any custodial sentence, voters have the immediate right to dismiss them. This would alter the existing legislation which excludes sentences of less than three months. She is also keen to ensure that a balance is struck to safeguard the recall system against exploitation by those who might seek to use it for political advantage.
Restoring confidence in the political process is important to Anne Marie, and the campaign to create a real power of recall has the potential to empower voters, increase accountability and improve the relationship between the people and their elected representatives.