Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7405 4600About
Provided by Sharpe Pritchard LLP
Sharpe Pritchard is best known for its work on private and hybrid Bills and acting on infrastructure projects that require statutory authorisation such as Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Transport and Works Orders and Harbour Orders.
The firm has promoted the majority of private Acts for local authorities in recent years, including substantial Acts of Parliament for the London Boroughs and TfL. It continues to act for a significant proportion of landowners, local authorities and others affected by the HS2 hybrid Bills and has been heavily involved in a significant number of the DCOs which have been promoted in 2020.
As well as infrastructure legislation, the firm’s work includes advising on and drafting legislation relating to charities, open spaces, highways and traffic, environmental law, licensing and regulatory work.
The firm also advises on emerging government legislation and Parliamentary procedure, and regularly drafts private members bills and amendments to government legislation.
It has a client base of government departments, local authorities and other public bodies, corporate bodies, landowners and infrastructure providers.
Chambers Review
Sharpe Pritchard has a comprehensive practice encompassing both parliamentary agency and elections work. The firm has an excellent track record of advising public authorities and is highly experienced in the promotion of major new bills going through Parliament. It enjoys a strong reputation for its involvement in opposing infrastructure projects requiring statutory authorisation. In addition, the department also acts for returning officers in high-profile contested election matters.
Work Highlights
- Sharpe Pritchard advised the returning officer for Pendle Borough Council whose conduct of a local government election was challenged by election petition in the High Court after the wrong candidate was declared elected.The team advised on how best to deal with the petition as well as the law and procedure throughout.
Notable Practitioners
Alastair Lewis is a vastly experienced partner at Sharpe Pritchard. He advises clients on promoting and opposing private and hybrid legislation, particularly in the energy and transport sectors. Alastair also advises authorities on their statutory powers and duties.
"Alastair Lewis is superb."
"Alastair is our go-to man for anything to do with parliamentary procedures. He is helpful, responsive, and it is reassuring to know we can draw on his expertise and experience."
"Alastair has provided excellent advice."
Emyr Thomas garners praise for his skill in election law and his capabilities as a parliamentary agent. He is recognised for his work with returning officers, and is frequently instructed by local authorities in challenges to infrastructure projects and electoral results.
Ranked Lawyers at
Sharpe Pritchard LLP
UK-wide