Good evening. The Electoral Commission has recently discovered that the meta rules on defections are somewhat ambiguous. While initially, electorate seats belonged to the party, this amendment leaves the status of what happens to electorate seats when their holder switches parties.

As there is ambiguity, I have determined that the previous precedent in place with the previous meta rules will be put into force- namely, that electorate MPs are able to switch parties. I'll also be proposing an amendment to formalise this, solely so we can clarify this as soon as possible. To be clear, this issue needs clarifying, but we don't have a position on which way, I'm just proposing it so we can discuss the issue, vote on it, and if it's rejected, discuss alternatives.

Proposed amendment to Parliament rules [changes bolded]:

Part 7, Section 3 to read;

Electorate MPs are allowed to change parties while in Parliament. List MPs are allowed to change parties while in Parliament provided that they have the permission of their party leader.