(1)    The rules set out in Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (the parliamentary elections rules) shall be amended as follows.

(2)    In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), for paragraph (3) there shall be substituted—

“(3)    The description, if any, must consist of either—

(a)    a description (of not more than 6 words in length) which is authorised as mentioned in rule 6A(1) below; or

(b)    the word “Independent” or, where the candidate is the Speaker of the House of Commons seeking re-election, the words “The Speaker seeking re-election”.”

(3)    In rule 6A (nomination papers: name of registered political party)—

(a)    in paragraph (1), after “unless” there shall be inserted “the party is a qualifying party in relation to the constituency and”; and

(b)    for paragraph (3) there shall be substituted—

“(3)    For the purposes of the application of this rule in relation to an election—

(a)    “registered political party” means a party which was registered under Part II of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 at the time by which the notice of the election is required to be published by virtue of rule 1 (“the relevant time”);

(b)    a registered political party is a qualifying party in relation to a constituency if—

(i)    the constituency is in England, Scotland or Wales and the party was at the relevant time registered in respect of that part of Great Britain in the Great Britain register maintained under that Part of that Act, or

(ii)    the constituency is in Northern Ireland and the party was at the relevant time registered in the Northern Ireland register maintained under that Part of that Act.”

(4)    In the Appendix of Forms, in the form of nomination paper, for “Merchant” there shall be substituted “Independent”.