‘Concern’ as Conservative campaign material is presented as newspaper

Leaflets delivered across the UK, including Somerset, featured information that promoted the Conservative Party and its MPs.

One of these leaflets, with no mention of the Conservative Party on the front page, was also delivered in Taunton with the title Taunton and Wellington Chronicle.

The Byline Times article said this was the same across the country.

Last week, Hold the Front Page, a website that reports on the press, said a pamphlet was also produced ahead of the recent Somerton and Frome by-election and other examples were found elsewhere in the UK.

Voters took to social media to express their concerns regarding the leaflet and the Electoral Commission confirmed it was contacted about the “presentation, labelling, or layout of campaign material”.

The Somerset County Gazette contacted MP Rebecca Pow’s office and the enquiry was passed onto the Conservative Party South West office.

The Gazette also contacted the main Conservative Party’s press office and received the following comment: “This leaflet is clearly marked as being political material, and it complies with the relevant electoral rules and regulations.”

The Conservative South West office said they “will not be offering a comment in response at this time”.

A spokesperson for the Electoral Commission said: “Voters have expressed concerns to us about the presentation, labelling, or layout of campaign material.

“We encourage all campaigners to undertake their vital role responsibly and to support campaign transparency.

“However, we don’t have the power to regulate campaign material. There is nothing in law to control the style and presentation of campaign material.

“The commission’s remit when it comes to campaign material relates to whether printed material has an imprint and we regulate party and campaigner compliance with the law.

“Existing imprint laws require campaigners to be clear about who is responsible for producing and promoting campaign material.”