Council chief confirms election candidates are not allowed to leaflet or go door knocking during lockdown

WARRINGTON Borough Council’s Chief Executive Prof Steven Broomhead MBE has confirmed election candidates are not allowed to do leafleting or door knocking under the current lockdown restrictions.

Concerns were raised by local Green Party candidate and former Mayor of Warrington Geoff Settle, who believes larger parties, which can pay for professional distribution, have an unfair advantage.
There was also outrage in Lymm following the recent distribution of leaflets by a far-right extremist group.
Prof. Broomhead MBE, who is Returning Officer for the elections, clarified the current situation.
He said: “The national guidance is clear that under the current lockdown, leafleting and door-knocking by parties is not allowed.
“The current guidance and restrictions also explain that many forms of campaigning can be carried out without increased face-to-face contact – including online campaigning, campaigning by telephone, and delivery of leaflets by post or other commercial delivery services.
“We await further guidance, including information on face-to-face campaigning and organising, which we have been assured will be published before the beginning of the regulated election period.”
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Meanwhile, Mr Settle has written to the Electorial Commission complaining about the unfair advantage for the larger political parties.
He wrote:

“I am standing in this year’s borough council elections for the Green Party.

I am alarmed by the government crash view that I can’t leaflet on behalf of my party in this election and yet the post office, Amazon etc can deliver to my front door.

I have contacted WBC Chief Exec Professor Stephen Broomhead and the Cheshire call centre (ref CRM1279968) who say that there is nothing they can do other than write to you but time is short. We register to vote on next week and I would like to know if I have to shell out money for a courier to deliver leaflets or if my team of helpers can do it as volunteers.

As a former Mayor of Warrington I would like my electoral rights restored not abused or taken for granted.

If this can’t be done then I feel a that the May 6th date needs to be changed to date later in the year.

Why should the big boys and girls get an electoral advantage?

I would appreciate a quick response as time is pressing.”