Political leaflets delivered across Fenland despite a halt on electioneering in the wake of Manchester bombing

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A political leaflet has been delivered to people in Fenland despite a suspension on General Election campaigning following the Manchester bombing.

Prospective parliamentary Tory candidate for NE Cambs, Steve Barclay, said he is “disappointed” that it happened.

“Although the national and local campaign has been suspended following the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester, I am disappointed to learn that a leaflet has been delivered by Royal Mail yesterday and today.

“The General Election campaign has rightly been suspended as our country comes together in response to this attack,” he said.

“The news of the terrorist atrocity in Manchester horrifies us all.

“My campaign remains suspended until further notice.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”

Mr Barlcay’s leaflets were delivered in the area today (Weds 24) and yesterday (Tuesday 23).

For many candidates it happened in circumstances out of anybody’s control, he said.

”Royal Mail offers one free delivery service to every candidate during general election campaigns.

“The delivery date needs to be organised with Royal Mail at least a week in advance and cannot be changed.

“These leaflets were sent to the Royal Mail last Friday for delivery over the following week, so they were sent before the terrorist attack.

“I have not had control over the leaflets since as they are with Royal Mail.

“The party has requested that deliveries be put on hold, but it is for Royal Mail to then decide whether they can store the leaflets or not. “Therefore, the fact that Royal Mail delivered my leaflet in March today is beyond my control, and I understand that other candidates are also affected by this.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail employees, like everyone else in the UK, were horrified by the events in Manchester on Monday evening. “Our thoughts are with all those affected.

“Due to the long lead time required for election mailings some are already in our network and will be delivered to the original agreed schedule. “We are working closely with the political parties.”

The election postage service is paid for by the UK Government, the spokesman added.

[Lounge Lizard]

Maybe no mail whatsoever should have been delivered that day.
We could probably have caught up by now.