Helen Briggs Returning Officer Banning Bloggers and Community Reporters From Election Count 2015
This time she is not claiming I am personally a security risk, as she did at the last by-election.
She is claiming the size of the venue is the issue, strange when you consider Victoria hall is
larger than the council chamber which has been the location for pas counts there was plenty of room there.
I wonder if the comment "my approach to requests of this general nature. "
applies to the local press, radio or BBC.
I am not sure if the same laws surrounding recording and reporting of council meetings
apply to election counts, where the Government requests local authorities treat bloggers
and community reporters equally.
Its very sad that Mrs Briggs can only appear to make any decision based on her own
personal opinion.
I am sure the flower and plant seller will be frilled to have people standing and watching
screen outside the Victoria all afternoon.
I am currently seeking a review of the decision.
I have suggested asked if reporting area is provided downstairs inside the hall.
Behind the scenes the local Libdems are seeing if they can add my name
to any of their lists, which I am very grateful for.
Of course if I was a contested candidate Mrs Briggs would have no choice and
would have to make room for me or perhaps she would have had me arrested
again and asked the inspector to impose bail conditions banning me from the
count as she did for the Ketton By-election.
Whatever is decided I will report live the results, even if that means from a pasting
table outside Victoria Hall. Whilst the slow process of democracy is carried out behind
Rutlands Closed doors.
Dear Mr Brookes
Thank you for your email relating to a request to attend the 2015 Election Count on 8th May 2015. I have considered your request carefully in line with the obligations placed upon me as Returning Officer.
In order to support communication for the Election I have put in place a communications strategy that will ensure effective communication throughout the election process. Accredited media representatives will be able to report directly from the count and the Council will also be updating on progress via the following channels:
Social Media – twitter
Web Site
At Victoria Hall (Count Venue) a video screen visible from outside the building updating as key developments occur
Catmose Notice Boards
Space at the Count venue is limited and my paramount concern is the efficient running of the count and to facilitate the attendance at the Count of those who have a right to be there – Candidates, Agents etc. I had been waiting to establish the number of contested Wards / parishes prior to a final decision but now that that is known I have reviewed the count layout and space remains at a premium.
On that basis I am not able to agree to your request. You will be aware I am sure that this matter is entirely within my discretion. However, in view of the nature of your request I have advised the Electoral Commission without naming you specifically of my approach to requests of this general nature.
Sent on behalf of Mrs Briggs
Returning Officer
This time she is not claiming I am personally a security risk, as she did at the last by-election.
She is claiming the size of the venue is the issue, strange when you consider Victoria hall is
larger than the council chamber which has been the location for pas counts there was plenty of room there.
I wonder if the comment "my approach to requests of this general nature. "
applies to the local press, radio or BBC.
I am not sure if the same laws surrounding recording and reporting of council meetings
apply to election counts, where the Government requests local authorities treat bloggers
and community reporters equally.
Its very sad that Mrs Briggs can only appear to make any decision based on her own
personal opinion.
I am sure the flower and plant seller will be frilled to have people standing and watching
screen outside the Victoria all afternoon.
I am currently seeking a review of the decision.
I have suggested asked if reporting area is provided downstairs inside the hall.
Behind the scenes the local Libdems are seeing if they can add my name
to any of their lists, which I am very grateful for.
Of course if I was a contested candidate Mrs Briggs would have no choice and
would have to make room for me or perhaps she would have had me arrested
again and asked the inspector to impose bail conditions banning me from the
count as she did for the Ketton By-election.
Whatever is decided I will report live the results, even if that means from a pasting
table outside Victoria Hall. Whilst the slow process of democracy is carried out behind
Rutlands Closed doors.
Dear Mr Brookes
Thank you for your email relating to a request to attend the 2015 Election Count on 8th May 2015. I have considered your request carefully in line with the obligations placed upon me as Returning Officer.
In order to support communication for the Election I have put in place a communications strategy that will ensure effective communication throughout the election process. Accredited media representatives will be able to report directly from the count and the Council will also be updating on progress via the following channels:
Social Media – twitter
Web Site
At Victoria Hall (Count Venue) a video screen visible from outside the building updating as key developments occur
Catmose Notice Boards
Space at the Count venue is limited and my paramount concern is the efficient running of the count and to facilitate the attendance at the Count of those who have a right to be there – Candidates, Agents etc. I had been waiting to establish the number of contested Wards / parishes prior to a final decision but now that that is known I have reviewed the count layout and space remains at a premium.
On that basis I am not able to agree to your request. You will be aware I am sure that this matter is entirely within my discretion. However, in view of the nature of your request I have advised the Electoral Commission without naming you specifically of my approach to requests of this general nature.
Sent on behalf of Mrs Briggs
Returning Officer
