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<p>Democracy should not be cancelled because of covid. As outlined in my Written Ministerial
Statement of 8 February 2021 (HLWS766), the Government has confirmed that the set
of council, mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner elections scheduled for May will
go ahead, and made a firm commitment that the Government will support the sector to
deliver them.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has published a Delivery Plan for the May
elections, setting out how the Government will support local elections teams to deliver
effective polls that are covid-secure for voters and staff. The Medical Officers advised
Ministers in drawing up this delivery plan. The Government has committed to further
engage with political parties through the Parliamentary Parties Panel and the Local
Government Association; we are committed to ensuring we take into consideration the
views of independent candidates as effectively as possible.</p><p> </p><p>Campaigning
is an essential part of democracy. Voters deserve to be well informed before going
to the polls and there must be a level playing field for candidates. On 22 February
the Prime Minister announced the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and we have
since published guidance on campaigning reflecting the updated COVID restrictions/guidance.</p><p>
</p><p>The whole of England remains in a national lockdown and will do so until 29
March. The current restrictions do not support door-to-door campaigning or leafleting
by individual campaigners. Leaving home to undertake leafleting increases the risk
of unnecessary social interactions and viral transmission both during travel and on
doorsteps. Campaigners should instead ensure leafleting is carried out through existing
commercial delivery services, which are already operating and delivering during the
national lockdown. Any spending on this which is incurred during a regulated period
must count towards a candidate’s spending limit.</p><p><strong><br></strong>From 8
March, individual activists will be able to campaign outdoors in a COVID-secure way.
The rules will allow for individual campaigners to deliver leaflets and to engage
with electors on their doorsteps - but they should always be socially distanced and
not enter inside people’s homes.</p>
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