Heather Green
@votingrules.bsky.social
Legal academic - public law & law relating to elections. Former University employee, now working independently/not institutionally affiliated in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Christmas as 'that often troublesome festival', from Margaret Oliphant's Hester (1833)
December 31, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Christmas as 'that often troublesome festival', from Margaret Oliphant's Hester (1833)
The letter raises ECHR/HRA protections for right to free elections in Art 3 Protocol 1, ECHR. May be a good political point, but difficulty with it as a legal argument is that the text is interpreted as excluding local elections - outwith scope as not about the 'choice of the legislature'.
Liberal Democrats write to human rights watchdog over election delays
Liberal Democrats write to human rights watchdog over election delays
The government has indicated it would postpone elections if requested by local authorities.
www.bbc.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The letter raises ECHR/HRA protections for right to free elections in Art 3 Protocol 1, ECHR. May be a good political point, but difficulty with it as a legal argument is that the text is interpreted as excluding local elections - outwith scope as not about the 'choice of the legislature'.
Reposted by Heather Green
Sunset today 3.16pm.
Summer is coming. 🌞
Summer is coming. 🌞
#Orkney. 20th December.
Sunrise 9.03am
Sunset 3.15pm
Tomorrow is the #WinterSolstice. In 2 days the sunset will be a minute later than today. In 2 months it will be 2 hours later. By June we'll have 18 and a half hours of daylight in #Orkney. 💡
Sunrise 9.03am
Sunset 3.15pm
Tomorrow is the #WinterSolstice. In 2 days the sunset will be a minute later than today. In 2 months it will be 2 hours later. By June we'll have 18 and a half hours of daylight in #Orkney. 💡
December 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Sunset today 3.16pm.
Summer is coming. 🌞
Summer is coming. 🌞
www.itv.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reposted by Heather Green
📘 The official edition of the “Preparatory Work” of the Convention is now available in digital format.
➡️ This fully searchable digital PDF has been made possible thanks to @degruyterbrill.bsky.social, which digitised all eight volumes free of charge.
www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/...
➡️ This fully searchable digital PDF has been made possible thanks to @degruyterbrill.bsky.social, which digitised all eight volumes free of charge.
www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/...
December 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
📘 The official edition of the “Preparatory Work” of the Convention is now available in digital format.
➡️ This fully searchable digital PDF has been made possible thanks to @degruyterbrill.bsky.social, which digitised all eight volumes free of charge.
www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/...
➡️ This fully searchable digital PDF has been made possible thanks to @degruyterbrill.bsky.social, which digitised all eight volumes free of charge.
www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/...
Reposted by Heather Green
Farage avoids police investigation over alleged electoral law breach
Farage avoids police investigation over alleged electoral law breach
Essex force say report falls outside time frame for prosecution while watchdog says it is looking into claims
Nigel Farage has avoided a police investigation into claims his general election campaign breached electoral law last year because too much time has passed since the alleged offences.
The Reform UK leader may still face sanction by the Electoral Commission over claims his campaign overspent the legal limits after the watchdog said it was carrying out its own assessment of the claims. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Farage avoids police investigation over alleged electoral law breach
Reposted by Heather Green
Our ideas for improving the integrity of UK elections got a shout out in @petergeoghegan.bsky.social's latest "Democracy for Sale" newsletter: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/labours-fo...
Labour’s foreign interference inquiry needs to go *much* further
Plus: Mark Galeotti on Russia’s foreign political influence, the war in Ukraine and how crime organises the world
democracyforsale.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Our ideas for improving the integrity of UK elections got a shout out in @petergeoghegan.bsky.social's latest "Democracy for Sale" newsletter: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/labours-fo...
Reposted by Heather Green
The review should be wide-ranging and include weaknesses in the lobbying rules and foreign influence registration scheme, as well as the wider social media landscape and lack of criminal enforcement of our political finance and foreign influence rules.
Spotlight welcomes government action to protect UK elections but gaps remain - Spotlight on Corruption
Spotlight on Corruption welcomes today’s publication of an elections strategy which sees the government commit to crucial reforms that will help protect our
www.spotlightcorruption.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The review should be wide-ranging and include weaknesses in the lobbying rules and foreign influence registration scheme, as well as the wider social media landscape and lack of criminal enforcement of our political finance and foreign influence rules.
Reposted by Heather Green
An academic disliked an Oxford Very Short Introduction (145 pages) in his field so much that he wrote a 200 page book review attacking it. www.pierre-legrand.com/ewExternalFi...
December 11, 2025 at 8:56 PM
An academic disliked an Oxford Very Short Introduction (145 pages) in his field so much that he wrote a 200 page book review attacking it. www.pierre-legrand.com/ewExternalFi...
Reposted by Heather Green
Is there a political question doctrine in EU law? The CJEU long took no position.
No more!
It has now discovered and applied it.
By me: 'From Search to Discovery of the Political Question Doctrine in EU law' in European Law Review, 2025, 50(6), pp. 761-774.
URL: uk.westlaw.com/Document/I29...
No more!
It has now discovered and applied it.
By me: 'From Search to Discovery of the Political Question Doctrine in EU law' in European Law Review, 2025, 50(6), pp. 761-774.
URL: uk.westlaw.com/Document/I29...
December 10, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Is there a political question doctrine in EU law? The CJEU long took no position.
No more!
It has now discovered and applied it.
By me: 'From Search to Discovery of the Political Question Doctrine in EU law' in European Law Review, 2025, 50(6), pp. 761-774.
URL: uk.westlaw.com/Document/I29...
No more!
It has now discovered and applied it.
By me: 'From Search to Discovery of the Political Question Doctrine in EU law' in European Law Review, 2025, 50(6), pp. 761-774.
URL: uk.westlaw.com/Document/I29...
Reposted by Heather Green
Anybody hoping that this is going to be a real problem for Farage and Reform should probably calm down and move on. This expert take suggests it's very unlikely to result in anything - for several reasons.
Nigel Farage accused of breaking election spending laws – the situation explained
Police are looking at whether the MP for Clacton overspent on his campaign – but it’s incredibly hard to make such cases stick.
theconversation.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Anybody hoping that this is going to be a real problem for Farage and Reform should probably calm down and move on. This expert take suggests it's very unlikely to result in anything - for several reasons.
Reposted by Heather Green
Christmas is a time for giving, appreciating & reflecting on what matters most.
For those starting again in Scotland the reality is very different.
Give a loved one a meaningful gift: donate in their name to help someone start again in safety.
Order a £5 e-gift here: ow.ly/Brg850XA5r7 🧡
For those starting again in Scotland the reality is very different.
Give a loved one a meaningful gift: donate in their name to help someone start again in safety.
Order a £5 e-gift here: ow.ly/Brg850XA5r7 🧡
December 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Christmas is a time for giving, appreciating & reflecting on what matters most.
For those starting again in Scotland the reality is very different.
Give a loved one a meaningful gift: donate in their name to help someone start again in safety.
Order a £5 e-gift here: ow.ly/Brg850XA5r7 🧡
For those starting again in Scotland the reality is very different.
Give a loved one a meaningful gift: donate in their name to help someone start again in safety.
Order a £5 e-gift here: ow.ly/Brg850XA5r7 🧡
Reposted by Heather Green
NEW: “During my lifetime Scotland has become a much more diverse country. I’m very proud of that”
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney explains why the country needs migration as Reform gather support ahead of next May’s Holyrood elections
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney explains why the country needs migration as Reform gather support ahead of next May’s Holyrood elections
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
John Swinney defends immigration as Scotland faces rise of Reform
Exclusive: First minister mounts robust defence of diversity as SNP prepares campaign for Holyrood election in May
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:06 AM
NEW: “During my lifetime Scotland has become a much more diverse country. I’m very proud of that”
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney explains why the country needs migration as Reform gather support ahead of next May’s Holyrood elections
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney explains why the country needs migration as Reform gather support ahead of next May’s Holyrood elections
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Heather Green
"New research from Democracy for Sale shows that three-quarters of all donations to Reform have come from just three men: Christopher Harborne, Jeremy Hosking and Richard Tice."
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/75-of-refo... via @petergeoghegan.bsky.social
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/75-of-refo... via @petergeoghegan.bsky.social
75% of Reform UK’s donations have come from just three rich men
Calls grow for donation caps as Democracy for Sale research reveals that three-quarters of Reform’s funding comes from a trio of wealthy donors
democracyforsale.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:47 AM
"New research from Democracy for Sale shows that three-quarters of all donations to Reform have come from just three men: Christopher Harborne, Jeremy Hosking and Richard Tice."
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/75-of-refo... via @petergeoghegan.bsky.social
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/75-of-refo... via @petergeoghegan.bsky.social
Reposted by Heather Green
I was delighted to receive this beautifully handcrafted Malawian Nativity Set from @sciaf.bsky.social as they celebrate 60 years of work tackling poverty and injustice.
It will be on display at @parliament.scot over the festive period - a symbol of Scotland’s enduring friendship with Malawi. 🤝
It will be on display at @parliament.scot over the festive period - a symbol of Scotland’s enduring friendship with Malawi. 🤝
December 3, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I was delighted to receive this beautifully handcrafted Malawian Nativity Set from @sciaf.bsky.social as they celebrate 60 years of work tackling poverty and injustice.
It will be on display at @parliament.scot over the festive period - a symbol of Scotland’s enduring friendship with Malawi. 🤝
It will be on display at @parliament.scot over the festive period - a symbol of Scotland’s enduring friendship with Malawi. 🤝
Savoy Centre concrete sign surviving demolition of Sauchiehall St M&S next door
November 28, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Savoy Centre concrete sign surviving demolition of Sauchiehall St M&S next door
Reposted by Heather Green
Stewart Duncan: Reforming Holyrood’s Committees: A Constitutional Perspective ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/11/27/s...
Stewart Duncan: Reforming Holyrood’s Committees: A Constitutional Perspective
Committees, scrutiny and the distribution of power at Holyrood From when the Scottish Parliament was first established, much was asked of its committee system. In a unicameral legislature, without …
ukconstitutionallaw.org
November 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Stewart Duncan: Reforming Holyrood’s Committees: A Constitutional Perspective ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/11/27/s...
Reposted by Heather Green
We’ve sent in our concerns and recommendation… watch this space!
business.senedd.wales/ieIssueDetai...
business.senedd.wales/ieIssueDetai...
Items at meetings - Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill | Senedd
A summary of all discussions at meetings relating to issue Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill
business.senedd.wales
November 20, 2025 at 8:51 PM
We’ve sent in our concerns and recommendation… watch this space!
business.senedd.wales/ieIssueDetai...
business.senedd.wales/ieIssueDetai...
Reposted by Heather Green
📢 NEW: We've launched an inquiry undertaking a detailed review into the purpose and use of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs).
Are WPQs still delivering on their intended purpose to uphold transparency and accountability? Submit your views ➡️ committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evi...
Are WPQs still delivering on their intended purpose to uphold transparency and accountability? Submit your views ➡️ committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evi...
November 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM
📢 NEW: We've launched an inquiry undertaking a detailed review into the purpose and use of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs).
Are WPQs still delivering on their intended purpose to uphold transparency and accountability? Submit your views ➡️ committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evi...
Are WPQs still delivering on their intended purpose to uphold transparency and accountability? Submit your views ➡️ committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evi...
Reposted by Heather Green
UK House of Commons: @commonsproccom.parliament.uk has launched an inquiry undertaking a detailed review of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) committees.parliament.uk/committee/12...
Find written questions and answers questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
#opengov #FOI -relevant
Find written questions and answers questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
#opengov #FOI -relevant
November 24, 2025 at 9:13 PM
UK House of Commons: @commonsproccom.parliament.uk has launched an inquiry undertaking a detailed review of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) committees.parliament.uk/committee/12...
Find written questions and answers questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
#opengov #FOI -relevant
Find written questions and answers questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
#opengov #FOI -relevant
Reposted by Heather Green
When something is so obviously, so easily, the right thing to do.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence
All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrity
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 AM
When something is so obviously, so easily, the right thing to do.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Minister confirming that voter ID law will be reformed to permit use of bank cards issued by UK-regulated banks.
November 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Minister confirming that voter ID law will be reformed to permit use of bank cards issued by UK-regulated banks.
Reposted by Heather Green
No government should be able to meddle with the elections regulator.
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence
All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrity
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:26 AM
No government should be able to meddle with the elections regulator.
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
New Labour set up the Electoral Commission to be an independent watchdog.
This Labour government must honour their pre-election rhetoric and restore full independence to the Commission.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...