Election Reporting Rules for UK Journalists: Impartiality & Purdah

What Is the Purdah Period?

The purdah period (also known as the “pre-election period”) is the time between the announcement of an election and polling day itself. During purdah, government bodies — including civil servants, local authorities, and government-funded organisations — are expected to refrain from making announcements or launching initiatives that could influence the election outcome.

For a UK general election, purdah typically begins when Parliament is dissolved (25 working days before polling day). For local elections, it usually runs from the date the notice of election is published. Devolved elections in Scotland and Wales follow their own timetables.

Key implications for journalists during purdah:

• Government press offices become significantly less responsive. Routine announcements are postponed, and civil servants avoid briefing on policy issues that could be seen as politically advantageous to the incumbent.
• FOI requests may be delayed or refused during the period if disclosure could affect the election. Be aware that this is sometimes used as a pretext for obstruction — you have the right to challenge unreasonable delays via the ICO complaints process.
• Council communications are restricted. Local authority websites and social media accounts will not publish content that features elected members or could be perceived as party-political.

Ofcom Election Rules (Section 6 of the Broadcasting Code)

For broadcast journalists, the Ofcom Broadcasting Code's Section 6 imposes strict obligations during election periods. These rules are legally binding and enforced rigorously:

• Due weight for major and minor parties: Broadcasters must give “due weight” to parties and candidates based on past electoral performance and current levels of support. The larger parties receive more airtime, but smaller parties must not be excluded entirely from relevant coverage.
• Constituency reports: If a broadcast report focuses on a specific constituency or electoral area, all candidates standing in that constituency must be given the opportunity to take part or have their views represented. This can be logistically challenging in multi-party contests, but compliance is essential.
• Candidate appearances in non-political programming: If a candidate appears in a non-political programme (e.g., a cooking show or entertainment programme) during the election period, Ofcom requires careful consideration of whether this gives them an unfair electoral advantage.
• Phone-in and audience participation: Candidates may participate in phone-in programmes, but broadcasters must ensure fair treatment of all candidates and avoid giving any individual disproportionate airtime.

For a broader overview of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, see our dedicated guide.

Polling Day Restrictions

Polling day itself brings the most restrictive rules for broadcast journalists:

• No discussion of election issues: From the time polls open (typically 7am) until they close (10pm), broadcasters must not discuss election issues, report on campaigns, or broadcast content that could influence how people vote.
• Factual information only: Broadcasters may report factual information such as the location of polling stations, voting hours, and turnout figures (if available), but nothing that could be seen as influencing the vote.
• No candidate footage: Footage of candidates campaigning on polling day should not be broadcast until polls close. Images of candidates voting are generally acceptable, but without accompanying political commentary.

IPSO During Elections

Print and online journalists regulated by IPSO operate under the Editors' Code of Practice rather than the Ofcom Code. The key differences during elections:

• No impartiality requirement: Newspapers are free to endorse parties, run partisan editorials, and adopt a clear political stance. This is a fundamental feature of UK press freedom.
• Accuracy still applies: Clause 1 of the Editors' Code requires publications to take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading, or distorted information. This obligation continues through election periods.
• Right of reply: Where a factual inaccuracy or significant misrepresentation affects an individual or organisation, IPSO may require a correction or adjudication regardless of the election context.
• IPSO election guidance: IPSO issues specific election guidance reminding editors of their obligations under Clause 1 (accuracy), Clause 4 (intrusion into grief or shock), and Clause 10 (clandestine devices and subterfuge).

Exit Polls and the Law

Under Section 66A of the Representation of the People Act 1983, it is a criminal offence to publish any statement about the way voters have voted in an election before polls close, if that statement is based on information given by voters after they have voted. This applies to all media — broadcast, print, and online — and carries a maximum fine of £5,000 or six months' imprisonment.

In practice, major broadcasters commission joint exit polls (typically BBC/ITV/Sky News) and hold the results until the moment polls close at 10pm. Individual journalists must not reveal exit poll findings on social media or any other platform before this time.

Candidate Consent and Privacy

Election candidates are public figures who have voluntarily entered public life, and their views on policy matters are of legitimate public interest. However, journalists should be aware of the following:

• Doorstepping: Ofcom Section 8 and IPSO Clause 3 (privacy) still apply. Candidates who refuse to engage should not be repeatedly approached in a manner that constitutes harassment.
• Family members: Candidates' families — particularly children — retain their privacy rights. Publishing photographs of candidates' children without consent is likely to breach the Editors' Code unless there is an overriding public interest.
• Personal matters: Revelations about candidates' personal lives require a genuine public interest justification, especially where the information was obtained through subterfuge or from private communications.

Social Media During Elections

Social media creates particular challenges during election periods:

• Broadcast journalists' personal accounts: If you work for a broadcaster, your personal social media activity may be considered an extension of your professional role. Expressing partisan political opinions on Twitter/X or Instagram during an election period could place your employer in breach of the Broadcasting Code.
• Sharing misinformation: The speed of social media amplifies the risk of spreading false claims about candidates. Verify before sharing — especially “leaked” documents, manipulated images, and unattributed allegations.
• Exit poll information: Do not share, retweet, or hint at exit poll findings before polls close. This includes posting cryptic comments or reaction GIFs that could be interpreted as indicating a result.
• Paid political advertising: Be aware that political advertisements on social media are subject to electoral law. If you are offered payment to promote political content, this must be declared and may constitute a regulated campaign expense.

Local vs General Elections: Key Differences

The core principles are the same, but there are practical differences:

Local elections often receive less media attention, but the same legal and regulatory rules apply. Regional and local journalists play an essential role in holding council candidates to account — a responsibility that has become even more important as local newsrooms face ongoing resource pressures.

Practical Checklist for Election Coverage

1. Know the timeline: Identify purdah start dates, nomination deadlines, and polling day for every election you are covering.
2. Map the candidates: Obtain the full list of candidates from the returning officer as soon as nominations close. Keep a spreadsheet tracking who you have contacted and their responses.
3. Brief your team: Ensure every journalist, presenter, and social media manager understands polling day restrictions and exit poll rules.
4. Review archive content: Check that pre-prepared packages or online articles do not inadvertently breach constituency reporting rules when published during the election period.
5. Document editorial decisions: Keep records of why certain candidates received more or less coverage. This is your best defence if a complaint is made.
6. Prepare polling day protocols: Have a clear workflow for what can and cannot be broadcast or published from 7am to 10pm on polling day.

Further Resources

• Full text: Ofcom Broadcasting Code Section 6
• Ofcom Broadcasting Code: Full Guide — Complete overview of all sections
• Contempt of Court Rules — Reporting restrictions during active proceedings
• UK Journalism Ethics Codes — NUJ and IPSO guidance