Pre-Election Period Terminology
Update from Rob Ayliffe, Director of Policy, Performance and Governance:
Following a letter from the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Communities, we now know that the County Council elections will go ahead on 1 May 2025. I will shortly be issuing guidance on what that means for the Council, and in particular, the restrictions placed on officers of the Council in the Pre-Election Period. That period will begin on 25th March at the latest.
In the meantime, I’ve been asked by a couple of people why we no longer use the term ‘purdah’. The term "purdah" has been phased out by some public bodies and departments in the UK due to its historical and cultural connotations. The word originally refers to a practice of secluding women from men, which is seen as outdated and potentially offensive.
Central Government, the LGA and Gloucestershire County Council no longer use it – preferring the ‘Pre-Election Period’. For those who are used to the former name, it can be easy to slip into old language, but council staff, including members of our Equality Networks have told us that they appreciate everyone making the effort to refer to the run up to the election by its more appropriate name. For those who are unused to the terminology, it also has the benefit of being more self-explanatory.