After section 5 insert—

“5AElection appeal

(1)

An appeal may be made against the allowance or disallowance of a vote in an election under section 4.

(2)

An appeal may be made against the result of an election under section 4.

(3)

An error in the church electoral roll of the parish is not a ground of appeal against the result of an election unless—

(a)

it has been determined on an appeal under Rule 57 of the Church Representation Rules that an error was made in the roll or the question is awaiting determination under that Rule, and

(b)

the error would or might be material to the result.

(4)

The allowance or disallowance of a vote is not a ground of appeal under this section against the result of an election unless the allowance or disallowance would or might be material to the result of the election.

(5)

An appeal under this section may be brought by—

(a)

a person entitled to take part in the meeting of the parishioners for making the election, or

(b)

a candidate in the election.

(6)

Notice of an appeal under this section—

(a)

must be in writing, and

(b)

must give brief particulars of the grounds of the appeal.

(7)

Notice of an appeal under this section must be given to the lay chair of the deanery synod (as defined by Rule 26(7) of the Church Representation Rules).

(8)

Notice of an appeal under subsection (1) must be given no later than 14 days after the vote in question was allowed or disallowed.

(9)

Notice of an appeal under subsection (2) must be given no later than 14 days after the result of the election is declared by the person presiding at the meeting.

(10)

Rules 60 and 61 of the Church Representation Rules (procedure on appeals) apply in relation to an appeal under subsection (1) or subsection (2) as they apply in relation to an appeal under Rule 57 or, as the case may be, Rule 58 which relates to the laity.”