Simon Danczuk: Letter from Parliament

Simon Danczuk MP

Recently, I asked questions in parliament about a democratic loophole which has allowed local government candidates to unfairly outspend their opponents by thousands of pounds.

Strict Electoral Commission rules limit prospective councillors to £740 of campaign funds.

As a former councillor, I can tell you that this money can be very quickly spent on leaflets and other materials.

But, once every five years, candidates can unlock additional campaign allowance by simultaneously standing in a General Election.

Unlike their local government counterparts, parliamentary candidates are allowed to spend thousands on their campaigns.

There are no rules to stop candidates concentrating all these extra resources on the one ward where they are also running for council.

This is a real anomaly that gives parliamentary candidates an advantage when it comes to winning a council seat.

Take Liberal Democrat Andy Kelly, who stood against me in the General Election in May whilst simultaneously seeking to regain a council seat.

He came fourth with just 10% of the vote across the constituency, but triumphed in the Milnrow and Newhey ward by 720 votes.

Now there are many possible reasons for this, but Mr Kelly’s chances were certainly not harmed by standing to be an MP.

As I suggested in parliament, it should be made impossible to stand in both a general and local election on the same day.

Failing this, the deposit required to stand in a general election should be raised to increase the financial incentive to perform well across the whole constituency.