House of Commons Library issues briefing on pre-election period of sensitivity

The House of Commons Library has issued a research briefing on the pre-election period of sensitivity that occurs in the weeks leading up to an election or referendum.

The 32-page publication, Pre-election period of sensitivity, notes that the period is also called the period of ‘heightened sensitivity’ and in the past was often known by the term ‘purdah’.

“It is a time when governments, ministers and civil servants will exercise caution in making announcements or decisions that might have an effect on the election campaign. The exact period depends on the type of election,” the House of Commons Library says.

The pre-election period for the UK and devolved governments and their civil servants is not set out in law but is governed by conventions, it notes.

“Backbench and Opposition MPs are not constrained by the pre-election period of sensitivity. However, all MPs, elected politicians and candidates will need to ensure they abide by campaign finance and election law during an election period.”

The House of Commons Library highlights how local authorities have their own set of rules that are set out in statutory guidance.

On 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place in across England (except London). Local elections in Northern Ireland are meanwhile taking place on 18 May 2023.

“For UK and devolved government departments the pre-election period for local elections is not fixed to any particular date. The general convention is that special care should be taken in the three weeks preceding the elections,” the House of Commons Library says.

In 2023, that will be 13 April to 4 May for election in England and from 27 April to 18 May for elections in Northern Ireland.

During elections to the UK Parliament or to the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments the pre-election period usually starts 25 working days before polling day.

The publication covers:

1 UK Government

1.1 Ministers

1.2 Civil servants

1.3 Special advisers

1.4 UK General elections

1.5 Devolved legislature elections

1.6 Local elections

1.7 2017 court case

2 Devolved governments

2.1 National elections

2.2 UK General elections

2.3 Local elections

3 MPs

3.1 All MPs

3.2 MPs who are also ministers

3.3 Backbenchers

3.4 Visits

4 Local authorities

4.1 Pre-election period

4.2 Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity

4.3 Use of rooms

5 Referendums

5.1 The EU Referendum 2016

5.2 Scottish independence referendum 2014

5.3 The Alternative Vote referendum 2011

The document is available to download here.