Council Procedures
< Back to Article List'Purdah' or the period of political sensitivity prior to an election
Last updated: 4 March 2025 at 11:01:17 UTC by Andrew Everard
It’s important that Councillors and their colleagues understand publicity restrictions during the pre-election period, also known as “purdah.”
What is purdah?
This starts from the publication of the Notice of Election, usually 25 working days before the date of election.
It ends after voting has finished which is 10pm on the day of the election.
For a local council there may be elections taking place for seats across the county, the district / borough and mayoralty area and some seats may be filled uncontested. It is important that the council does not promote political messaging or candidates during that period even if locally there isn't an election taking place (because there are no candidates or the seats were filled uncontested) in that parish or town council area. It is a politically-sensitive time.
What does the Government Code of Practice say?
“Publicity by local authorities should be issued with care during periods of heightened sensitivity”
What are the rules around social media and blogs?
Is there any guidance around imagery during purdah?
Can Councils still send out press releases?
Councils can still send out media releases to the public about factual topics and issues. However these must be politically neutral and not make references to individual politicians, candidates or political groups. Members of the Council are also allowed to issue press statements and respond to the media, but must not use council resources to do so. Councils may also use specialist lead officers rather than members for reactive press releases.
Are Councils allowed to publish newsletters during the pre-election period?
Similar to press releases, the likes of weekly newsletters and community magazines can still be published, so long as they are politically neutral. Featuring Councillors, as well as their imagery, would be deemed against purdah guidelines.
What about existing campaigns with local charities and businesses?
With each communication method, consider the government guidelines and think carefully about how likely it is to influence the outcome of the election. Ask yourself if it would go against the key pre-election principles, and call for further advice from colleagues if you’re in doubt.
Pre-elections are a sensitive period and this article is for guidance only. Always follow the recommendations of your own Monitoring Officer, as your local circumstances may differ from Council to Council.
This article is based on an item originally published by Clear Councils.