Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Elections: Covid-19

Thursday 11 February 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government plans to ensure May 2021 local elections are covid-secure include supporting local authorities in finding appropriate venues with adequate ventilation.
  • Social media is suggested as a means for campaigners to engage with constituents due to restrictions on traditional campaigning methods.
  • Concerns are raised about the fairness of elections if covid restrictions vary between different areas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about ensuring safe conduct of the May 2021 local elections amid ongoing public health measures.

Question

What plans does the Government have to help ensure the May 2021 local elections are covid-secure?

Answer from Michael Gove

With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will take the questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth Valley (Ian Levy) and the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) together. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: democracy should not be cancelled because of covid-19. The polls that are scheduled for May will go ahead, and it is important that he and others communicate with their constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete plans or measures to ensure elections are covid-secure

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Q2 Ian Levy
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about the feasibility of conducting effective campaigns under current restrictions.

Question

In 2019, we all took for granted the ability to run election campaigns that could properly engage with the electorate. Campaigning this year will look different but now more than ever, there is a need to engage with constituents. Does my right hon. Friend agree it is vital that all those standing can convey their messages to voters and elaborate on how campaigning should go ahead in a covid-secure way?

Answer from Michael Gove

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: democracy should not be cancelled because of covid-19. The polls that are scheduled for May will go ahead, and it is important that he and others communicate with their constituents. Of course, social media provides one means of doing so. Door-to-door campaigning and leafleting are not allowed due to current restrictions but we will review how campaigners can keep faith with constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete measures for safe campaigning other than reviewing rules and using social media

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about the fairness of current regulations on political leafleting and the role of property developers.

Question

The public will be expecting covid-safe and fair elections. Households receive flyers from delivery services but volunteers are not allowed to deliver leaflets for parties, some ignoring rules. In local elections, representatives should speak up for constituents, not property developers that have given £4.5 million since July 2019. Does the Chancellor agree if only paid-for leafleting were allowed, it would be a disservice to democracy?

Answer from Michael Gove

The hon. Gentleman makes important points. Some political activists are leafleting despite rules, and we deprecate that across the House. His broader point is right too; our democratic processes must be free from interference. The role of property developers needs scrutiny when cleaning up politics, and I know he will be eager as me to ensure Unite does so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear stance on allowing only paid-for leafleting or its impact on democracy

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Q4 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about the logistical challenges of conducting fair and safe local elections given differing public health measures across areas.

Question

What support will the Government give to find appropriate venues with adequate ventilation? Might there be an unfair political advantage if restrictions vary between areas?

Answer from Michael Gove

The hon. Lady raises two important questions: support for school use as polling stations, funding to local authorities for alternative venues; planning ahead for potential differences in tier restrictions by May elections.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify the exact level of financial support or detailed measures against unfair advantage due to tiering system

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