Bates Wells provides counsel in electoral law, encompassing digital campaign innovation and associated data privacy considerations, while advising on the new foreign influence registration scheme and the implications of the Elections Act 2022. The firm assists a wide range of political parties, candidates and non-party campaigners, offering guidance on electoral events and regulatory interventions by bodies such as the Electoral Commission. The practice has established itself in non-party campaigning, integrating public, regulatory, constitutional, commercial and media law. Simon Steeden leads the team, advising political parties and campaigners with expertise in cross-jurisdictional electoral law and digital campaigning. Bob Posner, a consultant, brings extensive experience from his tenure as Chief Executive of the UK Electoral Commission. Eleonor Duhs, a former government lawyer, specialises in domestic and EU legislation, focusing on data protection and parliamentary processes. Suhan Rajkumar advises on campaign finance, the Elections Act 2022, and the proposed foreign influence registration scheme. Jessica Collings advises on political regulation, including electoral finance and lobbying, with a cross-jurisdictional focus.
Electoral in London
Bates Wells
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Steeden
Autres avocats clés:
Bob Posner; Eleanor Duhs; Suhan Rajkumar; Jessica Collings
Les références
‘Bates Wells’ Electoral Practice is a standout in a highly specialised area of law. The team combines deep legal expertise with a practical understanding of the political and regulatory landscape, making them a trusted advisor for complex and sensitive matters. They are consistently approachable and responsive, and their advice is clear, actionable, and grounded in the realities of working within the electoral and campaigning space.
What sets the team apart is not just their subject-matter expertise, but their ability to handle novel and often challenging legal issues with confidence and precision. They are always available to discuss matters at short notice and provide calm, thoughtful guidance when it is most needed. We particularly value the way they collaborate internally and with clients, working in partnership to deliver solutions that are both legally sound and operationally workable.
The team’s commitment to the values of transparency, fairness, and integrity is reflected in their work and culture. Their openness to flexible billing, diversity in staffing, and use of technology to streamline support all add to a highly professional and modern service.’
Principaux clients
The Liberal Democrat Party
Green Party of England and Wales
James Bagge (Independent Candidate for South West Norfolk
38 Degrees
Save the Children UK
SOAS, University of London
New Economy Organisers Network
UCLU (Students’ Union UCL)
LexisNexis
Lexology
Shelter
Royal National Institute for the Blind
European Climate Foundation
Principaux dossiers
- Advising the Green Party on party governance and electoral finance issues and on internal and external disputes, including acting in a claim brought against them by a former spokesperson who alleged that his removal had been discriminatory on the ground of ‘gender critical belief’.
- Advising the Liberal Democrats on a range of matters, including relating to election law and tax consequences as they relate to legacy fundraising.
- Advising Save the Children UK on its plans to work with a number of other charities and voluntary organisations to run a children’s election, parallel to the General Election.
Sharpe Pritchard LLP
Sharpe Pritchard LLP serves as a primary advisor to returning officers, providing counsel leading up to and on polling day, and representing individuals in contested elections. The firm demonstrates significant expertise in election petition challenges before the High Court. Local authorities, individuals and organisations seek assistance with Boundary Commission reviews and Electoral Commission rules and regulations. Alastair Lewis leads the team. Emyr Thomas is recognised for his understanding of the responsibilities of returning officers, having been involved in notable election petitions over the last decade.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alastair Lewis
Autres avocats clés:
Emry Thomas
Les références
‘Considerable expertise and experience in working for local authorities gives unparalleled insight into the somewhat arcane world of election law, allowing them to navigate with ease.’
Principaux clients
The returning officer for Pendle Borough Council
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for the returning officer for Pendle Borough Council whose conduct of a local government election was challenged by an election petition in the High Court after the wrong candidate was declared elected.
Astraea Linskills
Astraea Linskills advises the Conservative Party, along with MPs, agents and councillors on various electoral law matters. The firm represents Conservative elected officials in election petitions and disputes concerning defamation, libel and false advertising. Based in Liverpool, the practice is led by James Roochove, who applies his defamation and reputation management experience to defending clients facing allegations of breaching electoral law. Nama Zarroug's expertise spans electoral and criminal law, encompassing party complaints proceedings and electoral investigations.
Responsables de la pratique:
James Roochove
Autres avocats clés:
Nama Zarroug
Les références
‘The team have a real insight into the changes a political dynamic makes to a case and the individuals concerned. They really understand the political intent of those seeking to discredit politicians.’
‘James Roochove is deeply impressive, politically experienced and calm under the pressure and short time frames of electoral challenges. He offers clear guidance in difficult and sensitive electoral disputes.’
‘Astrea Linskills have many years of experience in electoral law, particular in cases involving individuals connected with the Conservative Party. Any high profile case involving such individuals invariably comes to them.’
Principaux clients
Ian Levy (former MP for Blyth Valley)
Maureen Levy
Cllr Yvonne Tracey
Conservative Party
Various suspects in Gambling Commission investigation into General Election betting
Bob Seely (former MP Isle of Wight)
Cllr Peter Dickenson
Paul Scully (former MP Sutton & Cheam)
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Yvonne Tracey (councillor and former Post Office deputy postmistress) – defamation action against the Leader of the Liberal Democrats on the Greater London Authority, and a councillor in Kingston, in relation to social media posts.
- Represented Ian Levy in a successful defamation action against a local businessman in Mr Levy’s constituency and successfully defending a harassment claim brought against Mr Levy by another constituent.
K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP operates within the electoral law sphere, primarily assisting campaigning organisations. The firm’s work encompasses campaign conduct and financing, lobbying rules, post-Brexit legal implications and Electoral Commission investigations. Dylan Moses, who leads the team, is particularly adept at handling Electoral Commission investigations. Rosie Naylor supports political parties, individual candidates and third-party campaigners concerning conduct during both regulated and unregulated periods.
Responsables de la pratique:
Dylan Moses
Autres avocats clés:
Rosie Naylor
Les références
‘Deep knowledge in a niche area but very practical too.’
‘Rosie Naylor – excellent associate. Works very collaboratively to find solutions to help the business.’