Dear All,
BEFORE THE ELECTIONS
The term ‘purdah’ has come into popular use across local government to describe the six weeks immediately before an election, up to and including the election day. This is now described as the pre-election period.
Purdah will start on 20th March
In short:
- Individual councillors can generate their own publicity during this period, but should not use council events to publicise their election campaign.
- Councillors can attend events organised by other organisations, but mustn’t use them to publicise their election campaign.
- The work of the council can go on, councillors can attend events but council cannot give publicity to any councillor’s campaign.
- Council staff must always be careful not to give the impression of supporting any political party or candidate.
- Council newsletters can be circulated as normal provided it is purely about local issues and remains a-political.
- Councils should not publish anything on controversial issues or report views in a way that may identify the council with an individual candidate or group.
- No election materials, political posters or leaflets must be displayed on any council premises or property, including noticeboards.
- No councillor is allowed to circulate any such materials before, during, or after, any meeting of the council during this period
- Councils should not publish any material relating, in any way, to a candidate.
- Councils must not publish anything which may seek to influence voters
Important: Councillors are not permitted to use their Town/Parish Council email address for any electioneering / campaigning purposes, but not limited to, campaign material, newsletters, contact cards
Additional Sources of Information
Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authority publicity:
LGA Short guide to publicity during the preelection period:
https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-publicity-during-pre-election-period
LGA – All you need to know for the pre-election period.:
https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/guidance-and-resources/pre-election-period
Kind regards,
Philip
- Posted: 9th March 2023