Lib Dems Defend Leaflet Deliveries During Lockdown As Form Of ‘Volunteering’
The Liberal Democrats have come under fire for continuing to deliver party political leaflets during the national coronavirus lockdown.
Both Labour and the Conservatives claimed Ed Davey’s party was breaching the “Stay at Home” guidance by keeping up door-to-door deliveries of campaigning material.
But the Lib Dems insisted that their activists were allowed to leaflet because it counts as a form of “volunteering”, which they say is exempt from the government guidance to stay indoors. They also hit back that Labour and Tory activists had sent out leaflets too.
Both main parties have ordered their own local members to suspend all leaflet deliveries until the lockdown is eased, telling them to send material by post or relying on online campaigning.
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner has written to the Liberal Democrats to say she is “deeply concerned” by his party’s continued activity.
“I urge you to put the national interest ahead of party political interests and act immediately to suspend leaflet deliveries during lockdown,” Rayner said in a letter seen by HuffPost UK.
She added that Lib Dem MP and spokesperson Layla Moran told BBC Radio 4 last weekend that members should not be delivering campaign material because “we don’t feel that’s right”.
The Lib Dems told HuffPost UK that it was “more important than ever” to keep connected with residents and its president Mark Pack has written back to Rayner to insist that the deliveries are in line with appropriate health and legal advice.
“Our local volunteers have a valuable part to play in helping keep their residents informed about important issues and our guidance helps ensure this is done safely and appropriately,” Pack said.
Activists wear masks and socially distance when doing deliveries, knocking on doors to engage with residents is not allowed, the party says.
The Lib Dems’ website advises its activists: “The World Health Organisation has concluded that there is very little risk...
