Campaigners row over leaflet delivery
POLITICAL campaigners have been accused of ‘flagrant flouting of the law’ by delivering leaflets during lockdown – but they say that they have been sent out by commercial companies.
In a letter to Wokingham. Today thisweek (see page 19), Conservative candidate for Shinfield South Jackie Rance says that delivering leaflets bent lockdown rules.
“Government guidelines state the single most important action is to stay at home to protect the
NHS and by definition, every one of us,” shewrote, adding the voluntary causeswere legitimate reasons for leaving home at this time.
“Any idiot knows that voluntary services meansworking for Link Visiting Scheme, homeless charities, mental health organisations, church groups, not delivering political newspapers.
“The Liberal Democrats decided to ‘bend’ the rules ... and ... delivering these newspapers was a ‘service’.
“With all these Lib Dems traipsing the streets it is very clear they are prepared to ‘risk’ spreading a ‘little risk’ rather than ensuring no risk.”
Wokingham Liberal Democrats say that the leaflets in question were sent to a company that specialises in leaflet distribution and that the majority had been delivered.
The content, they added, was relevant to residents.
Group leader, Cllr Lindsay
Ferris, said: “We have as yet not received any formal guidance from Lib Dem HQ, but of coursewewould abide by any such guidance.”
Deputy leader Cllr Clive Jones argued that the Conservatives had
themselves put out their own newsletters.
He asked: “Who delivered theirs back in the firstweek of January? Was it volunteers, or a commercial company?
“In the past, they have also used the same commercial companywe have used.”
And parties have also been able to have leaflets delivered by postmen.
“Do the Conservativeswant to stop the Post Office delivering? It’s an important question.
“It’s just another example of them trying to stifle democracy.”
Wokingham Conservativeswere invited to comment but had not done so aswewent to press.