Police could be drawn into row over political leafleting in Derby

This follows recent action by the Government which has written to all parliamentary parties saying that campaigning during lockdown it is not an “essential or necessary activity”.

And it follows widespread complaints about possible breaches nationally, including in Derby itself.

The city’s Lib Dems were criticised by the Derby Conservative group last November for delivering leaflets during the second pandemic lockdown.

Lib Dem group leader Councillor Ruth Skelton defended the group’s action at the time pointing out that volunteers were exempt from the requirement to stay at home and were allowed to deliver leaflets.

The disagreement has re-surfaced again during the third lockdown with the Conservative group accusing the Lib Dems of once again of leafleting in the Mickleover area since Christmas. This claim has been refuted by Ms Skelton.

The group claims it has copies of the leaflet which went through local doors and says it is “out-of-date and doesn’t even have any Covid-19 community support information on it at all”. It says The Lib Dems nationally have said “important community support information’ is being relayed by their councillors”.

A Conservative spokesman said: “It was bad enough that the Lib Dems in Derby decided to deliver political leaflets during the last lockdown. But to do it again now at the height of this pandemic sends out an appalling message.

“Local residents have been in touch with us to say they are angry and disgusted and have put the leaflets straight in the recycling bin where they belong.”

Ms Skelton said that her group was “not delivering leaflets during lockdown”. She added: “They should all have been delivered before Christmas although there could have been one or two at the beginning of January that were left over from then and enthusiastic supporters could have posted them then.

“We have reviewed the situation previously and are looking to use other means such as Royal Mail while the lockdown is here.”

Conservative cabinet member Councillor Jonathan Smale was asked during a recent Derby City Council full council meeting if he thought political parties should be delivering leaflets.

He said: “It’s not necessary. We all have a part and role to play. And it has been widely reported that the two main parties have ordered their local members to cease deliveries until the lockdown has eased.”

He said he was happy to accept reassurances from all political groups in Derby that they have ceased leaflet deliveries and invited them to let him know.

But after the meeting he confirmed that they had all declined to do so.

A Derbyshire police spokesman said: “At this time everyone across the country is being challenged to do their part by limiting the amount of time they are in contact with others – and staying home as much as possible.

“As with any reported breach officers will follow up and speak to those involved in order to understand the individual circumstances that each report will have. As with every potential breach officers will look to engage, explain and encourage those involved.”

Writing to the national political parties last week, Chloe Smith, Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution, said: “Current national lockdown restrictions in England, say ‘you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary’.

“The Government’s view is that these restrictions do not support door-to-door campaigning or leafleting by individual political party activists. It is widely accepted that voters can continue to get campaigning information remotely.

“In order to reduce transmission of Covid-19 infection, door-to-door campaigning at this point in time is therefore not considered essential or necessary activity.

“I hope that you will all agree that it is essential that we reduce the infection rate, protect the NHS and save lives. I would ask that all parties follow this advice, and ensure that your supporters are aware of this position.”