Publicity and the 2007 Elections
The purpose of this note is to explain the constraints placed
upon the Council and its Members and Officers in an election period
and how the Council proposes to address its obligations whilst
working with politicians and/or their representatives.
The Council is under a statutory duty to have regard to the Code
of Conduct on Local Government Publicity. It is also under a duty
not to do anything that compromises or is likely to compromise the
impartiality of those who work for the Council. This includes the
creation of perceptions that Officers support any political party
by way of contribution to or involvement in any electioneering by a
politician and/or their representative(s) as part of their
employment. Any proposed visits to Council premises have to be seen
in this context.
The Code contains provisions that deal with the period between
publication of the Notice of an Election and the election itself
('the election period'). The notice of election will be published
on the 27th of March 2007.
The Code precludes proactive events and publicity involving
politicians who are candidates and other politicians involved
directly in the election during the election period. "Other
politicians involved" is a reference to anyone likely to speak in
support of candidates and includes those from outside the Council
(e.g. MPs and those standing as MP's). The Code also applies where
the Council assists others to issue publicity.
In the election period, as a general rule, the Council's
Officers will not be able to host nor facilitate (whether on or off
Council premises) any proactive events involving candidates and or
other politicians involved in the 2005 elections. Each request from
politicians and/or their representatives for access to Council
premises will be carefully considered individually to determine
whether I, or my representative, considers it creates a risk to the
perception of political impartiality. To enable me/my
representatives to consider these requests the objectives, timing,
nature, involvement of individuals, media coverage and proposed
involvement of staff during such access should be provided at least
three working days prior to the proposed visit with the request to
be considered. I and my representatives will adopt a commonsense
approach to the assessment of such requests for access to Council
premises.
Visits to Council premises without my/my representative's prior
consent may lead to future requests for access to Council premises
being refused and the consideration of appropriate legal
action.
If you are planning any events and publicity in the election
period l/my
representatives will be happy to discuss them with you at the
earliest opportunity.
Malcolm Morley
Returning Officer
16th March 2007