Got any dodgy election leaflets?
I wonder if anyone has kept any general election leaflets which might fall foul of Section 106 of the Representation of the People Act (1983)? I imagine that this morning there will be some very nervous election agents in almost every constituency in the land.
The High Court ruling which expels from Parliament the Labour Party's Oldham East candidate, who told lies about his Lib Dem opponent, is arguably 99 years overdue. The last similar ruling was in 1911.
Two thoughts: the Oldham East by-election is going to be fascinating - will the Conservatives field a candidate or give their Lib Dem coalition partners a free run? And wouldn't a similar by-election in Cornwall be even greater fun?
I'm ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 7th Nov 2010, Tynegod wrote:Not so much, "dodgy", Graham, more a laugh.
One local Labour Councillor, up for a further term saw the "eductation of our children as a priority"
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Comment number 2.
At 7th Nov 2010, Graham Smith wrote:I think the law applies only to comments about rival candidates, and not to promises about policy.
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Comment number 3.
At 7th Nov 2010, Tynegod wrote:Not the policy. The spelling.
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Comment number 4.
At 7th Nov 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:Research material for you, Mr Smith:
(if link disallowed by moderators google election+leaflets+.org )
In addition, if you dig hard enough round Camborne & Redruth you may find something that meets your criteria.
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Comment number 5.
At 8th Nov 2010, Graham Smith wrote:Many thanks for this link, AC - I didn't know about it and it's very interesting. Further clues about Camborne & Redruth particularly welcome!
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Comment number 6.
At 8th Nov 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:Get off your 'ss, Smith - you're the 'investigative' 'journalist' round 'ere!
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Comment number 7.
At 8th Nov 2010, P_Trembath wrote:AC, that was not entirely called for.
The leaflet in question:-
I dare say that the usual suspects will see no wrong in it though.
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Comment number 8.
At 8th Nov 2010, Graham Smith wrote:Ah, many thanks P_Trembath - and yes, I did know about that one. I think the law (threatening disqualification for telling lies about opponents) applies only to winning candidates. I wonder if this particular law will need to be revised if we have the Alternative Vote system after next May. I have visions of a three or four-way dispute over who told lies about who, and courts ordering re-run contests for third place if there's no clear winner after first-round vote re-distributions. Anyone know?
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Comment number 9.
At 8th Nov 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:There may be another item, Mr Smith, more germane in character to the focus of your interest and more precisely related to the winning of a marginal victory. You may wish to continue delving.
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