Agenda item

Prime Minister’s Visit to Smithfield Market

A question was raised to ascertain the details of the Prime Minister’s Visit to Smithfield Market as part of her campaign, the day before the General Election.

There were mixed opinions on this. Some Members stated that there was precedent for such visits and that Smithfield Market is a public place so is open to any party candidate during a political campaign. Others felt that the City Corporation had been inconsistent in its policy, having asked a Member of Parliament not to use an official visit to Highgate Wood during purdah as an opportunity for campaigning or publicity.

Officers clarified that there was a difference between the Prime Minister’s visit to Smithfield Market and the MP’s visit to Highgate Wood, as the latter example was taking place in her own constituency. Additionally, the Smithfield Market building is open to the public and is not a local authority building, and the prohibition relates to provision of financial or other assistance. This is generally taken to involve financial assistance using public funds, at publicly accessible facilities. Therefore it was not considered any breach of the prohibition has occured.

The Chairman of Markets Committee who was present at the visit of the Prime Minister to Smithfield Market clarified further details, that the City Corporation did not use this as a publicity opportunity itself and no press release was issued, and that the Prime Minister was not invited by the City Corporation but the request had come through only the afternoon before from her private office at the Conservative Party Headquarters.