The Pre-Election Period (Formerly Purdah) - ELI5 please
Discussion
I've looked at a number of online resources but for some reason the whole what you can / can't do during the pre-election period thing just isn't sinking in - can anyone that is more familiar with it than I am explain it like they're talking to small child (ELI5 - "Explain it like I'm 5") so it might hit home?
I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
Biggy Stardust said:
thetapeworm said:
can anyone that is more familiar with it than I am explain it like they're talking to small child (ELI5 - "Explain it like I'm 5") so it might hit home?
1 Politcos are s
ts2 Politicos tell fibs
3 Politicos don't think the rules apply to them.
I did find a letter template that seems to offer a summary that suggests they shouldn't really be posting pictures of themselves picking up litter or sweeping leaves but surely they'd know this if it was the case?
local.gov.uk said:
Dear Councillor,
Guidelines and restrictions on decision making and publicity during the pre-election period
As you will be aware, the local elections are due to take place on 4 May 2023 so I thought it would be useful to remind you about the guidelines and restrictions on publicity during the pre-election period that starts on 27 March 2023. These restrictions apply to all elections happening during this period.
From the start of the pre-election period, the council must comply with restrictions outlined in Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986. In addition a Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity published in 2011 makes clear that particular care should be taken in periods of heightened sensitivity, such as in the run up to an election. The Act defines publicity as “any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public.”
Generally, the Act says that we should “not publish any material which, in whole, or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party.” The Code of Practice recommends that authorities should generally not issue any publicity which seeks to influence voters and that publicity relating to individuals involved directly in the election should not be published unless expressly authorised by statute.
Decision making
In relation to decision making within the council, the position remains that it is ‘business as usual’ unless there are very good reasons why this should not be the case. In the vast majority of cases, the pre-election period will have no impact on normal council business, including the approval of planning decisions.
What this means
The primary restriction is on proactive publicity by the council which particularly relates to candidates and other politicians involved directly in the election.
The council can still issue media releases on factual matters provided that these do not identify individual councillors or groups of councillors.
Councillors are still free to respond to enquiries received from the media in a personal capacity.
Individual councillors can issue their own statements, write letters to the local newspaper(s) for publication, contact the media directly or say what they like in a personal capacity, but must not use council resources to do so.
It is still possible for the council to issue statements on behalf of a councillor holding a key political or civic position provided it relates to important events which are outside the council’s control and can be shown to justify a member response. These occasions are likely to be rare and to be the exception, rather than the rule.
I hope this letter provides you with the general information you need for the pre-election period, but if you have specific concerns or queries, please feel free to contact xxxx.
Yours sincerely
Guidelines and restrictions on decision making and publicity during the pre-election period
As you will be aware, the local elections are due to take place on 4 May 2023 so I thought it would be useful to remind you about the guidelines and restrictions on publicity during the pre-election period that starts on 27 March 2023. These restrictions apply to all elections happening during this period.
From the start of the pre-election period, the council must comply with restrictions outlined in Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986. In addition a Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity published in 2011 makes clear that particular care should be taken in periods of heightened sensitivity, such as in the run up to an election. The Act defines publicity as “any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public.”
Generally, the Act says that we should “not publish any material which, in whole, or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party.” The Code of Practice recommends that authorities should generally not issue any publicity which seeks to influence voters and that publicity relating to individuals involved directly in the election should not be published unless expressly authorised by statute.
Decision making
In relation to decision making within the council, the position remains that it is ‘business as usual’ unless there are very good reasons why this should not be the case. In the vast majority of cases, the pre-election period will have no impact on normal council business, including the approval of planning decisions.
What this means
The primary restriction is on proactive publicity by the council which particularly relates to candidates and other politicians involved directly in the election.
The council can still issue media releases on factual matters provided that these do not identify individual councillors or groups of councillors.
Councillors are still free to respond to enquiries received from the media in a personal capacity.
Individual councillors can issue their own statements, write letters to the local newspaper(s) for publication, contact the media directly or say what they like in a personal capacity, but must not use council resources to do so.
It is still possible for the council to issue statements on behalf of a councillor holding a key political or civic position provided it relates to important events which are outside the council’s control and can be shown to justify a member response. These occasions are likely to be rare and to be the exception, rather than the rule.
I hope this letter provides you with the general information you need for the pre-election period, but if you have specific concerns or queries, please feel free to contact xxxx.
Yours sincerely
I think it more relates to .... eg
Council public statement
Cllr Robertson (Political party has through tireless and exemplary behavior secured an xx contract for the council ( without taking the customary bribe )
This statement would cross the Purdah threshold
But a
Political campaign leaflet
Political party Cllr Robertson has through tireless and exemplary behavior secured an xx contract for the council (we'll ignore the fact he failed to manage to keep his dick in his trousers with the office intern whilst taking the customary bribe )
would be OK as it's the individual (or political party) and not the "Public body that is the Council" that has released this statement
Council public statement
Cllr Robertson (Political party has through tireless and exemplary behavior secured an xx contract for the council ( without taking the customary bribe )
This statement would cross the Purdah threshold
But a
Political campaign leaflet
Political party Cllr Robertson has through tireless and exemplary behavior secured an xx contract for the council (we'll ignore the fact he failed to manage to keep his dick in his trousers with the office intern whilst taking the customary bribe )
would be OK as it's the individual (or political party) and not the "Public body that is the Council" that has released this statement
Edited by T6 vanman on Wednesday 19th April 11:39
local.gov.uk said:
Dear Councillor,
What this means
The primary restriction is on proactive publicity by the council which particularly relates to candidates and other politicians involved directly in the election.
What this means
The primary restriction is on proactive publicity by the council which particularly relates to candidates and other politicians involved directly in the election.
Edited by T6 vanman on Wednesday 19th April 11:42
thetapeworm said:
I've looked at a number of online resources but for some reason the whole what you can / can't do during the pre-election period thing just isn't sinking in - can anyone that is more familiar with it than I am explain it like they're talking to small child (ELI5 - "Explain it like I'm 5") so it might hit home?
I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
You are conflating the council/ government as an entity and the individual Councillors / MPs and their political parties who are up for election. I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
As an example the leaflet sent to all homes by the Gov. during the Brexit referendum would not have been allowed in the 28 day period so was sent before it. Nothing to stop the individual campaign groups sending a similar leaflet with in that period though.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-...
Edited by Vanden Saab on Wednesday 19th April 11:44
Vanden Saab said:
thetapeworm said:
I've looked at a number of online resources but for some reason the whole what you can / can't do during the pre-election period thing just isn't sinking in - can anyone that is more familiar with it than I am explain it like they're talking to small child (ELI5 - "Explain it like I'm 5") so it might hit home?
I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
You are conflating the council/ government as an entity and the individual Councillors / MPs and their political parties who are up for election. I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
As an example the leaflet sent to all homes by the Gov. during the Brexit referendum would not have been allowed in the 28 day period so was sent before it. Nothing to stop the individual campaign groups sending a similar leaflet with in that period though.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-...
Thanks for this though, it makes some sense, so "X Town Council" goes quiet but "X Town Councillor" can get the drum out and make some noise.
But can "X Town Council" then post a picture of "X Town Councillor" that's also the Mayor doing something "Mayoral" and in turn potentially boosting his profile as a candidate?
thetapeworm said:
Vanden Saab said:
thetapeworm said:
I've looked at a number of online resources but for some reason the whole what you can / can't do during the pre-election period thing just isn't sinking in - can anyone that is more familiar with it than I am explain it like they're talking to small child (ELI5 - "Explain it like I'm 5") so it might hit home?
I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
You are conflating the council/ government as an entity and the individual Councillors / MPs and their political parties who are up for election. I read https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/short-guide-... (and links off this) but time and time again I see local councillors that are up for the vote posting pictures of themselves "doing nice thing" or the MP suddenly coming out of hibernation to post things that might matter to voters.
I can't tally this and leaflets through the door with the statement that "councils should ‘not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party’" or other items it seems to suggest they should shy away from before an election, isn't this normally the time when they come out of the woodwork and toot their horns rather than the opposite?
As an example the leaflet sent to all homes by the Gov. during the Brexit referendum would not have been allowed in the 28 day period so was sent before it. Nothing to stop the individual campaign groups sending a similar leaflet with in that period though.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-...
Thanks for this though, it makes some sense, so "X Town Council" goes quiet but "X Town Councillor" can get the drum out and make some noise.
But can "X Town Council" then post a picture of "X Town Councillor" that's also the Mayor doing something "Mayoral" and in turn potentially boosting his profile as a candidate?
thetapeworm said:
That article aged well
Thanks for this though, it makes some sense, so "X Town Council" goes quiet but "X Town Councillor" can get the drum out and make some noise.
But can "X Town Council" then post a picture of "X Town Councillor" that's also the Mayor doing something "Mayoral" and in turn potentially boosting his profile as a candidate?
If it is normal town council reporting of a normal mayoral activity, then yes. E.g. if you've got the local allotment group having an open day and the mayor is there wearing their chain, you're not going to photo shop the mayor our of a photo in a press release where the council is trying to promote the local allotments. Certainly round here getting on the Town Council is not exactly a competitive business. Half the councillors, including the mayor, are co-opted rather than elected because we can never find enough people to stand in the elections, and the rest of the numbers are made up by begging people to join the council after the event.Thanks for this though, it makes some sense, so "X Town Council" goes quiet but "X Town Councillor" can get the drum out and make some noise.
But can "X Town Council" then post a picture of "X Town Councillor" that's also the Mayor doing something "Mayoral" and in turn potentially boosting his profile as a candidate?
Edited by ATG on Wednesday 19th April 12:24
ATG said:
If it is normal town council reporting of a normal mayoral activity, then yes. E.g. if you've got the local allotment group having an open day and the mayor is there wearing their chain, you're not going to photo shop the mayor our of a photo in a press release where the council is trying to promote the local allotments. Certainly round here getting on the Town Council is not exactly a competitive business. Half the councillors, including the mayor, are co-opted rather than elected because we can never find enough people to stand in the elections, and the rest of the numbers are made up by begging people to join the council after the event.
This was "hey look, the Mayor is judging an Easter bonnet competition" so probably innocent enough. It's a funny old place where I am - the council is predominantly made up of a local group of "independents" headed by a chap that has been in bother a couple of times for looking at dodgy stuff in previous council roles and now has a vendetta against that particular party... who just so happen to hold the overall purse strings and look after the big stuff which means we seem to get "taught a lesson" now and again just so they can show him who is the boss.
There's a couple of wards that have been declared already as they only had the number of candidates put forward for the spaces available but in most of the others there's the right number of "independents" to fill them and then 1 from each of the other main parties trying to get a foot in.
We have a bit of a "secret society" vibe where stuff just happens in the town without anyone knowing in advance so many are quite keen to see a bit of a shake-up with some representation from elsewhere to hopefully improve communication a bit but the ruling lot, essentially a faux-Conservative party made up of older folk and local business folk that can use the position to their benefit or some oddballs that seem to thrive on the sense of power they have.
I'm kind of interested in it all as I wondered about standing as a truly independent councillor at some point in the future but I#m sure the first time someone told me their bin hadn't been emptied would be enough to make me regret it.
Edited by thetapeworm on Wednesday 19th April 12:52
Edited by thetapeworm on Wednesday 19th April 12:53
Honestly, if you've got the slightest inclination to get involved in local politics and you aren't completely insane, please give it a go. Local politics desperately needs more people to get involved.
Our Town Council doesn't control anything as fancy as bins. That's a County Council matter. The Town Council's responsibilities here lead the Mayor to be known as the King or Queen of Poos and Loos. It's not without its excitement though. The geezer employed to clean the public toilet figured out who was ... err .. doing a Banksy with his own excretions, so he decked him and then went to the Mayor to confess that he'd just assaulted a customer. Made a change from having to deal with the bizarre behaviour of some of the councillors, e.g. writing poison-pen letters about your fellow councillors and then shoving them (the letters, that is) up in display cabinets round town. A tip for anyone planning to do this; don't make the same easily recognisable grammatical and spelling errors in your letters as you do in every deranged email you've ever sent to your fellow councillors.
Our Town Council doesn't control anything as fancy as bins. That's a County Council matter. The Town Council's responsibilities here lead the Mayor to be known as the King or Queen of Poos and Loos. It's not without its excitement though. The geezer employed to clean the public toilet figured out who was ... err .. doing a Banksy with his own excretions, so he decked him and then went to the Mayor to confess that he'd just assaulted a customer. Made a change from having to deal with the bizarre behaviour of some of the councillors, e.g. writing poison-pen letters about your fellow councillors and then shoving them (the letters, that is) up in display cabinets round town. A tip for anyone planning to do this; don't make the same easily recognisable grammatical and spelling errors in your letters as you do in every deranged email you've ever sent to your fellow councillors.
ATG said:
Honestly, if you've got the slightest inclination to get involved in local politics and you aren't completely insane, please give it a go. Local politics desperately needs more people to get involved.
Based on what I see locally I think you'd have to be closer to completely insane levels to do it but some do hit the "big time" and get to be proper paid local councillors so I can see the draw Realistically I think I'd struggle with votes, I'd be going up against the established old folk that make up the "independents" and given most of the voters here are in their age group and pals of theirs it would be a tough sell to try and dislodge one, I do have age on my side though and they can't live forever so I'm keeping an eye on those bungalows and noting when the ambulances stop off (I'm not but I think that's what it would take to get some new blood in if you're not invited into the inner circle by one of them).
[quote]Our Town Council doesn't control anything as fancy as bins. That's a County Council matter. The Town Council's responsibilities here lead the Mayor to be known as the King or Queen of Poos and Loos. It's not without its excitement though. The geezer employed to clean the public toilet figured out who was ... err .. doing a Banksy with his own excretions, so he decked him and then went to the Mayor to confess that he'd just assaulted a customer. Made a change from having to deal with the bizarre behaviour of some of the councillors, e.g. writing poison-pen letters about your fellow councillors and then shoving them (the letters, that is) up in display cabinets round town. A tip for anyone planning to do this; don't make the same easily recognisable grammatical and spelling errors in your letters as you do in every deranged email you've ever sent to your fellow councillors.
Points noted on the smear campaign stuff - a few of the local ones here have apparently turned up on the doorsteps of those who have dared to say anything negative about them but I'm doing OK in that respect so far, I'd just be worried about people digging up everything and everything I've ever said and done to use against me like I probably would with them
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