Die Polizei ermittelt, während sich die Druckerei von Reform für das Empfehlungsschreiben eines Anwohners entschuldigt, in dem nicht angegeben wurde, dass es von der Partei stammt

Reform like the Tories before them are using scummy election tactics? Who could have seen that coming?

Another source, this one including the letter itself:

https://manchestermill.co.uk/exclusive-reform-uk-just-broke-electoral-law-in-gorton-denton/

Patricia Clegg is real it seems, she commented on a Facebook page for Tameside backing Reform change the @ to a in facebook

https://m.f@cebook.com/mancitycouncil/photos/a-uk-parliamentary-by-election-will-be-held-in-the-gorton-and-denton-constituenc/1316978240461799/?set=a.301828928643407

> Reform’s printers, Hardings Print Solutions Limited, has apologised to the party and residents of the constituency, saying the artwork including the required imprint had been correctly supplied by the party but it was removed ‚during the final trimming stage‘ of production.

Ah, so it was definitely the printer’s fault. Not Reform. Right? Reform definitely included the imprint on the letter, and obviously checked that the letter had the imprint before posting it to people.

Of course, it would still be an offence for the promoter and publishers, not just the printer (or an illegal practice, in the case of the candidate or election agent). Unless they „took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence“ to make sure this didn’t happen. Like by checking the letter before the sent it out.

Also I like how the headline calls it a „resident’s endorsement letter“ but also notes that „Reform’s printing firm“ did the apologising. Why would Reform’s printers apologise for a random resident doing something illegal? Oh wait, in their apology they say the party provided the imprint…

It’s probably a cock-up rather than intentional, but either way, it’s a clear and obvious breach of electoral law and I can’t see that investigation taking very long before they charge and fine the local Reform party.