LEGALITY OF TORY ELECTION LEAFLET CHALLENGED (Bracknell Liberal Democrats)

Bracknell Liberal Democrats <info@bracknelllibdems.org.uk>

LEGALITY OF TORY ELECTION LEAFLET CHALLENGED

April 19, 2011 10:54 AM

Lib Dems claim manifesto leaflet breaches election rules

Bracknell Liberal Democrats believe the election manifesto leaflet published by Mary Ballin on behalf of Bracknell Conservative Association breaches election regulations by giving the impression that Bracknell Forest Borough Council is supporting the Conservative Party in the forthcoming local elections on 5 May 2011.

Not only is the leaflet entitled 'Bracknell Forest Borough Council' but it also contains a letter from Paul Bettison as Leader of the Council. During this period of 'purdah' councils are expected to distance themselves from the elections taking place in their areas and to maintain an even-handed and impartial approach to the proceedings.

Campaign publicity material is subject to a number of restrictions under electoral law and is also subject to the general civil and criminal law relating to published material. The Election Agent for Bracknell Liberal Democrats, Larraine de Laune, has therefore written to the Chief Executive of the Council, as the Returning Officer for Bracknell Forest, to seek his opinion on the matter. The text of that letter dated 18 April 2011 is attached.

Commenting on this latest Conservative challenge to election procedures, Lib Dem Spokesman, Ray Earwicker, said 'it was outrageous that the Conservative Party should be seeking to exploit its long, almost exclusive association with the council in this way. Election rules were quite clear and any infringements could carry quite severe consequences. At worst it could lead to the disqualification of every Conservative councillor. It would be a high price to pay but they would only have themselves to blame for such a presumptuous act.'