Elected Representatives (Prohibition of Deception) Bill 2006–07

The Elected Representatives (Prohibition of Deception) Bill 2006–07 was a Private Member's Bill introduced in the United Kingdom Parliament. It aimed to make it a criminal offence for elected representatives to knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements to the public regarding their qualifications, experience, or record. The bill was introduced by Andrew Pelling, then the Member of Parliament for Croydon Central.

The proposed legislation sought to address concerns about a perceived lack of accountability for politicians who were believed to have misled voters during election campaigns or while in office. It aimed to increase public trust in the political process by imposing stricter penalties for dishonesty.

The bill's main provisions included defining what constituted a "false or misleading statement," outlining the potential penalties for violations, and establishing a mechanism for investigating alleged offenses. It also addressed issues of intent, requiring that the false or misleading statement be made knowingly or recklessly.

The bill did not progress beyond its first reading in the House of Commons and ultimately failed to become law. Similar legislative proposals have been introduced in subsequent parliamentary sessions, reflecting ongoing concerns about the integrity and transparency of elected officials. The debate surrounding this bill highlighted the challenges of legislating on matters of truth and deception in the political arena, particularly regarding freedom of speech and the potential for politically motivated prosecutions.