Candidate address rule reviewed

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A public consultation is being launched on whether prospective MPs should have to continue giving their full address when standing for office.

Security concerns have led some MPs to argue that publishing the details of house numbers or streets is dangerous.

It has been suggested the first part of a postcode would be sufficient to let people know if their MP lives locally.

In May the High Court ordered addresses to be published with expenses claims, but MPs voted to keep them private.

'Open mind'

The High Court ordered addresses be published as part of a wider Freedom of Information (FOI) battle over expenses claims, to allow people to check MPs were living in properties they claimed for.

But the government controversially moved an order to exclude addresses, travel plans and security bills from FOI laws, to protect MPs and their neighbours from "harassment at home".

Ministers are now asking members of the public for their views on what address details should be published on candidates' nomination and ballot papers.

The Ministry of Justice said it had an "open mind" on whether full addresses should still be published or whether the amount of information given should be limited.

"We welcome all views on whether any legislative changes should be made," said elections minister Michael Wills.

Some MPs argue that being in the public eye and making often controversial decisions mean that they and their families are exposed to greater risks to their security.

But others argue that knowing where an MP lives is vital to ensuring openness and accountability and maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

Commons leader Harriet Harman, whose own home has been the target of protesters, said earlier this year that it was "in the public interest" for people to know whether people seeking election to parliament lived in their area or miles away.

But she said it was "questionable" whether there was a need to reveal precise address details such as a flat number.

Some MPs have suggested a compromise whereby the first part only of a candidate's postcode is published.

Any changes could be included in proposed legislation on the electoral process currently before parliament and potentially come into force ahead of the next general election.