‘Desperate’ SNP told to bin its ‘inappropriate’ leaflets
THE SNP has been ordered to destroy election campaign leaflets which ‘blur the line’ between party politics and government.
Scotland’s top civil servant, Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans, said the inclusion of a Scottish Government logo on the flyers was ‘not an appropriate use’ of the branding.
Critics said it gave the impression that SNP initiatives were endorsed by the Government.
The leaflets also highlighted policies of the Lib Dem and Tory coalition UK Government between 2010 and 2015, such as the bedroom tax.
Scottish Lib Dem election campaign chairman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘The SNP blurred the line between impartial civil servants and party activists. This is a clear breach of campaigning rules. It is resorting to desperate tactics.’
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie wrote to Miss Evans on November 5, stating: ‘The Scottish Government logo has been used to promote a party stance. I can’t believe this is permitted.’
Miss Evans replied on Monday, agreeing that use of the logo was ‘not appropriate’ and said she had ensured ‘distribution of these leaflets had ceased with immediate effect’. Activists were told to ‘destroy any remaining copies’.
Barbara Allison, Government director of communications, ministerial support and facilities, was told to ‘write to the branch convenor making clear regulations concerning [logo] use’.
The SNP said use of the flyer ceased on November 7. They went out in Edinburgh West, where Nationalist Sarah Masson aims to overturn the 2,988 majority of Lib Dem Christine Jardine.
The SNP said: ‘It’s no surprise the Lib Dems are upset about a leaflet outlining their shameful record in supporting Tory welfare cuts.’
The Scottish Government said: ‘Use of our logo in this way falls outside the terms of the Open Government Licence for public sector information. It is also inappropriate due to the party political nature of the leaflet.’