LIBERAL DEMOCRAT EUROPEAN GROUP

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The name of the Association shall be The Liberal Democrat European Group.

2.1. To inform and motivate Party members on European issues and to work within the Party organisation and amongst members to this end.

2.2. To promote the establishment of a federal European Union democratically accountable to its citizens, respecting the diversity of its peoples and traditions and able to act effectively on those aspects of policy best handled at European level.

2.3. To work with the MEPs and assist the Party in European elections and other work related to the European dimension.

2.4. To encourage members to join and operate within the European Movement and to influence its work and policies

2.5. To work within the ELDR and like-minded organisations in the furtherance of European integration.

Membership shall be open to all Liberal Democrat Members who subscribe to the aims and objectives of the Association as provided in Clause 2. Membership shall be open to members of the Liberal Democrats, members of ELDR affiliated parties and others, who accept the aims and objectives of the organisation.

The annual subscription shall be as determined from time to time by the AGM after requisite notice (Clause 7.1) to alter the subscription has been given. All LDEG funds shall be kept in accounts which require at least two signatories from officers to withdraw funds where there is no executive authorisation.

Application for membership from members of the Liberal Democrat Party shall normally be accepted on payment of subscription. In exceptional cases an application to join may be referred to the Executive Committee which alone within three months shall have the right to reject an application.

A member who ceases to be eligible for membership shall forthwith cease to be a member. A member may be expelled for behaviour incompatible with their status. In such cases the Executive Committee shall give written notice of their reasons for expulsion. The member concerned shall have the right to appeal in person to the Executive Committee.

There shall be at least two general meetings for members each calendar year, one of which shall be the AGM. The Executive Committee shall submit a report on activities and finances including the audited accounts of the LDEG at the AGM, on which occasion the President shall be invited to take the Chair. Notice of meetings shall be given at least six weeks in advance and the final agenda dispatched at least three weeks in advance.

Notice in writing of any resolution to be proposed at a general meeting shall be given to the Secretary at least four weeks before that meeting. Notice of any resolution to be proposed by the Executive Committee shall be given in the agenda and shall be despatched at least three weeks prior to the meeting.

Emergency resolutions may be proposed at any LDEG meeting by leave of the Chair.

Voting on any resolution at a meeting shall be by a show of hands. A resolution shall be deemed carried on a simple majority of members present and voting. The Chair shall have a casting vote.

Nomination for election as an officer or member of the Executive Committee must be by written notice signed by the candidate and shall be delivered to the Secretary not less than 21 days prior to the election date.

Elections for officers and ordinary members of the Committee shall be held every two years by single transferable vote in a ballot of all members conducted six weeks before the AGM. The election of the members representing Euro constituencies shall be held every two years by single transferable vote in a ballot of all members in the relevant European parliamentary constituency, conducted 6 weeks before the AGM.

The officers shall be the President, the Chair, two Vice-Chairs, Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall consist of:

9.1. The officers, one member representing each of the twelve European parliamentary constituencies within the UK, and a maximum of 3 ordinary members. The members representing Euro constituencies do not have to be resident in the constituency they are representing.

9.2. Up to three members co-opted by the Executive Committee.

9.3 In the case of Officer elections, no individual shall hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms.

Additional members may be co-opted but shall have no votes in the proceedings of the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee may from time to time unanimously invite members of the party to become Patrons. These are honorary positions and must be ratified at the next general meeting of the Group.

Scottish, Welsh or English Regional branches of LDEG may be established. A branch shall present an annual report and a financial statement to the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee may establish such committees as it considers necessary.

10.1. For a general meeting the quorum shall be fifteen members including two officers.

10.2. For an Executive Committee the quorum shall be five voting members including two officers.

This constitution may be amended only at an AGM at which due notice has been given to all members of the amendments proposed. A two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the meeting is required to amend this constitution.