Newham Council has implemented stricter guidelines on council publicity in the lead-up to local elections to ensure the authority remains politically neutral.

The measures, discussed by the Standards Committee on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, aim to prevent public funds from being used to promote any candidate or political party. The guidance, issued by Janie Berry, Interim Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, outlines that all council publicity must be objective and even-handed, particularly during the heightened sensitivity of the pre-election period.

What constitutes 'objective and even-handed' publicity?

During the pre-election period, all council publicity must be objective and even-handed. The guidance states that to breach the law, publicity need only appear to be, or could be seen as, designed to affect support for a political party, and it need not actually have any effect in reality. However, factual publicity issued for information purposes only is permissible, such as service information leaflets, fostering adverts, or member/surgery contact details. Advice should be sought if the issue is politically controversial. This applies to a range of communications, including events, website content, social media, press releases, and publications like the Newham Mag.

The formal pre-election period, often referred to as 'purdah', begins on March 25, 2026, with the publication of the notice of election, and concludes on polling day, May 7, 2026. However, the law prohibiting political publicity is in effect at all times.

Key Restrictions and Oversight

Key restrictions include avoiding the involvement or featuring of current members, including the Mayor and Cabinet members, in publicity. Instead, communications should be fronted by a council spokesperson. Photoshoots, press releases featuring politicians, and the use of council photographs for campaigning purposes are to be avoided.

Ensuring 'Business as Usual' Compliance

The guidance states that business as usual communications are permitted, as the restrictions are about publicity by the Council, not the provision of services or making decisions. However, Mayoral, Council and committee meetings can take place during the election period but may be cancelled though where meetings to go ahead agendas may be reviewed by the Monitoring Officer for controversial items. Great care needs to be taken with publicity of any planned initiatives and or events as they may be closely connected to the manifesto pledges of candidates standing for election as a Councillor or the Mayor. Activities that breach the restrictions can and should be delayed or cancelled.

Monitoring and Support

Directors and Heads of Service are advised to put into place appropriate filters or escalation processes to deal with member queries during the election period. The guidance also mentions that Your Next Steps include reviewing services' activities to identify areas of risk and reviewing events or publicity to ensure compliance. Janie Berry (Interim Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer), Akhtar Ali (Head of Elections and Interim Head of Democratic Services), and Artemis Kassi (Principal Governance Lawyer) are listed as contacts for further advice. If you are in any doubt, please seek further advice.

Balancing Transparency and Restrictions

The council will balance the need for transparency with restrictions by allowing Publication of factual information to counteract misleading, controversial or extreme (for example, racist/sexist information) . Additionally, Internal communications and meetings with members are unlikely to fall within the definition of publicity, as they are not aimed at influencing or received by the electorate.

Training and Resources

The Pre-Election/Transition to a new Administration agenda item included guidance on council publicity and activity in the lead-up to the May 2026 elections for the Mayor and Councillors. This guidance was issued by Janie Berry, Interim Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer. The guidance itself is provided within the meeting documents, and it advises that If you have concerns or require further advice about this guidance or specific events, please do not hesitate to contact Janie Berry, Akhtar Ali and Artemis Kassi. Pre-Election Publicity Guidance

Council-organised community meetings can proceed if managed to prevent them from being hijacked by party politics or candidates. Chairs of such meetings may need to make statements reminding attendees to focus on the business of the meeting rather than the election.

Exceptions to these restrictions include events of national or local significance where the Mayor or other senior politician may lead publicity, such as in response to a terrorist incident or ceremonial roles following the death of a senior royal or political figure. The restrictions do not apply to internal communications and meetings with members, as these are not aimed at influencing the electorate.