General Election 2024: What is the pre-election period known as purdah?
Parliament was officially dissolved at midnight, which means we are now in a pre-election period known as purdah.
The term “purdah”, which derives from Urdu and Persian and means “curtain”, describes the period between the time an election is announced and the date the election is held.
It is a period of heightened sensitivity, when certain restrictions are in place on government activity.
Sky News and other broadcasters also have to ensure their coverage gives due weight to parties and candidates during the campaign period.
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During purdah, governments, ministers and civil servants are required to exercise caution in making announcements or decisions that might have an effect on the election campaign.
This is not set out in law, but is governed by conventions and there are no sanctions if ministers are perceived to have breached the rules.
Backbench and opposition MPs are not constrained by purdah.
Purdah means there are technically no MPs – only candidates for seats.
However, that does not mean we don’t still have a government.
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Ministers remain in office and in charge of their departments during an election campaign, but it is customary for them to observe discretion in announcing initiatives that are new or of a long-term character.
This does not mean that they can’t be out on the campaign trail.
But it does mean public money and departmental resources should not be used for party political purposes.
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Purdah also effects civil servants, who are expected to avoid any activity that could, or could be seen to, influence the outcome of the election.
Local councils also observe this period of “heightened sensitivity”.
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The Code of Recommended Practice that they must follow includes a rule that they must not use public funds to mount publicity campaigns that seek to influence voters at any time of year, including during an election.
Most election campaigns throw up accusations of a breach of purdah.
In 2019, then prime minister Boris Johnson was accused of a purdah breach after he announced new funding for the devolved administrations while on a visit to Brecon and Radnorshire in Wales, where a by-election was being held.
The government said at the time the announcement was not specific to any constituency, so did not break the rules.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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