LGA response to Cabinet Office consultation: Protecting the Debate: Intimidation, Influence and Information

"The LGA supports the proposed new electoral law and any additional efforts to tackle the intimidation of local political candidates."

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Responding to recommendations made by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) in its review into ‘Intimidation in Public Life’, the Cabinet Office has proposed:

  • the introduction of a new offence in electoral law of intimidating local and national political candidates and party campaigners
  • the consolidation and clarification of the electoral offence of undue influence
  • extending electoral law requirements for an imprint on campaigning materials to electronic communications.

This will include local government elections, polls and referendums.

The LGA supports the proposed new electoral law and any additional efforts to tackle the intimidation of local political candidates. It is important that intimidation crimes against candidates and councillors are taken seriously by the police, the courts and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The existing intimidation legislation needs to be properly and universally enforced, including on social media, so that there are enough convictions with significant sentences to deter offenders and give candidates and politicians confidence.

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LGA response to Cabinet Office consultation: Protecting the Debate: Intimidation, Influence and Information