Mark R Heath
mark8384.bsky.social
Mark R Heath
@mark8384.bsky.social
Solicitor, 32 years in local government, 30 years as Returning Officer. Now Consultant at VWV. Election law & practice nerd.
Francophile, train nut & wine drinker. 100% dad.
Professional stuff here:
http://linkedin.com/in/mark-heath-322a601
Such a great film. And on the legal list, something about RTA offences outside/around phone boxes…..
November 23, 2024 at 8:53 PM
Yes. Great film, huge fun. My daughter (when she saw it ) was convinced it was is a pretty accurate representation of how you get into the legal profession (sorry).
November 23, 2024 at 8:44 PM
👍
November 18, 2024 at 12:42 PM
Agreed 100%. The RO has to be robust and may take fire from all sides. Fortunately the courts are supportive and get that their role is at times invidious, and acknowledges they are legal entities running a vital function in our democracy
November 14, 2024 at 4:43 PM
They have to be when they are in the middle of elections, with all that goes with that. One false step & they are answering to the courts.
that.one
November 14, 2024 at 4:39 PM
I don’t think I can agree with the roles being blurry. The law is clear and sets out what they must do for each poll and at what point in the timetable. ROs are v robust about their statutory role as compared to their day job & accountabilities.
goes.one
November 14, 2024 at 4:39 PM
I frankly don’t see timetable tweaks helping enough, and voting in embassies isn’t going to help unless you live near enough to one….and if we are ever going to start e voting, this is an ideal and possibly justified area to trial it in. It couldn’t make it any worse……
November 14, 2024 at 4:33 PM
I really do still think we should at least trial some kind of e voting(poss e ballot paper dispatch) for overseas voters. It’s worse in a “snap” as there can be no lead it/ prep for getting the overseas voters already registered and wanting to vote by post their ballots. ……
November 14, 2024 at 4:31 PM
No 1 priority from SOLACE who represent ROs is and remains the consolidation simplification and modernisation of electoral legislation.

Just don’t hold your breath…..
November 14, 2024 at 12:49 PM
…. Just a bit of a concern therefore at this in a BV Report though I get 100% why it’s been included. Other ROs have had to confront similar issues. Not sure how/ who will control social & personal media over and above what’s currently available but look forward to hearing from HMG in due course
November 14, 2024 at 11:42 AM
The circs & history at TH clearly played a part and that’s why I don’t disagree with the comments but the RO role is legally completely separate and the RO has no accountability to their council in that regard. ROs and the courts have been at pains to stress that quite rightly…….
November 14, 2024 at 11:40 AM
Interesting that the report covers election issues, not a matter for the council to deliver but the Returning Officer. Within ambit? Personally, can 100% see why they included reference to this & the issues. TH isn’t the only place with negative abuse of candidates so look forward to Govt response
November 14, 2024 at 8:27 AM
Yes please. Thank you.
November 14, 2024 at 8:18 AM
👋👋👋👋👋
November 13, 2024 at 8:30 PM
Die hard . The first (and best) obviously.
November 13, 2024 at 7:22 PM
I SO identify with this!
November 13, 2024 at 7:18 PM
Thank you. Most helpful
November 13, 2024 at 7:17 PM