Commentary on Sections and Schedules General Elections Section 4: Power to vary date of ordinary general election
47.This section allows the Secretary of State, by Order, to vary the date of an ordinary general election (i.e. one that is scheduled to occur on the first Thursday in May, every four years) by up to one month either way, if, for example, holding the general election on the first Thursday in May would mean it would coincide with some other important event. Such an Order must also make provision as to when the Assembly is to be dissolved in advance of the varied date of the election and for it to meet within seven days after the day of the poll, again excluding certain days from the calculation. The Order may also apply the Representation of the People Acts, or other legislation that applies to the election of Assembly Members, with any modifications that are necessary because of the change of the date of the general election.
48.Before making an Order under this section, the Secretary of State must first consult the Welsh Ministers and an Order must be laid before Parliament and is subject to being annulled by resolution of either House of Parliament.