IFG - Statement in response to PACAC coverage

23 Jul 2015 11:07 AM

The Institute for Government submitted evidence, both written and oral, ahead of the most recent meeting of the Public Administration & Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC).

This evidence centred on the use of purdah in election periods, specifically the Government’s interpretation of Section 125 of the Political Parties, Referendum and Elections Act 2000.

As Committee Chair Bernard Jenkin acknowledges in his recent letter, the evidence we provided pointed out the need for more information on the Government’s specific concerns about wording of the Act, and the alternative amendments or process it would offer instead. We are not in a position to make a legal judgement on how Section 125 may be applied in future. We believe questions over the use of statutory purdah should be placed in the hands of parliament.

Read more from Dr Catherine Haddon: Purdah and the Role of the Civil Service