Simon Danczuk urges Minister to close 'electoral loophole'

Photo: Journeaux

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has called on the Government to close an electoral loophole which gives some council candidates an unfair advantage.

Anyone running for a local council seat is limited to a strict campaign spending cap of just over £700.

Under existing rules, prospective councillors can also stand as a parliamentary candidate whenever local elections are held on the same day as a General Election.

By doing this, candidates unlock thousands of pounds of additional funding because General Election campaign spending limits are much higher.

Mr Danczuk raised the issue in Parliament during Cabinet Office questions and called on John Penrose, the Minister for Constitutional Reform, to address the “unfair financial advantage” some candidates have over their opponents.

The MP is now pushing for a meeting with the Government Minister to discuss the issue further.

Mr Danczuk said: “The rules put in place by the Electoral Commission limit all prospective councillors to just £740 of campaign funds.

“As a former councillor myself, I know that this money doesn't stretch very far. It is not fair that some candidates are able to spend thousands more by exploiting the rules.

“The rules only work when they apply to everyone equally and I will be urging the Minister to close this loophole and ensure there is a level playing field for all candidates.

“Elections should be decided by who is the best candidate, not by who has the most cash to spend.”