It appears that a gentlemen's agreement exist regarding the truthfulness of the information a candidate or party puts on it's leaflets. Over the years, I've got used to reading between the lines or even taking some assertions with a pinch of salt when looking at leaflets from a certain local party. However this time the local UKIP candidate has, imo, overstepped the mark. The UKIP leaflet that I received today states that a vote for Labour is a vote for 'making you pay to see your doctor' and 'selling off our housing stock to foreign buyers'.
I checked with the electoral commission because I couldn't believe they'd be allowed to tell outright lies on their leaflets but apparently they can. There is no official body that censures such instances other than if they commit a criminal offence in which case they can be reported to the police.
This is an appalling state of affairs. Presumably, in the past everyone has been decent and followed the accepted rules but now it seems that newer parties don't feel the need to do so.
In that case I think we need to end the gentleman's agreement and decide on a set of rules which lays down what can and can't be said. I'm not saying that Parties shouldn't be able to criticise each other but surely they should always base their criticism on the truth.
apple trees not flowering this year. Anyone else?
