mrabody

I don't think there would be any problem with a branch officer sending out a letter stating that candidate X is in fact standing in two regions and that those entitled to vote are to be made aware of this. To express an opinion as to the desirability of voting for someone standing in two regions (or for any other region) could cause all sorts of problems though.

First of all, if you advocated voting for any particular candidate you risk getting that person disqualified as it could be considered unsolicited material in support of a candidate which is against the rules. You might be able to get away with it if you in fact gave your opinions of several different candidates and expressed the desirability of voting for particular candidates but in general terms. I don't doubt you could write expressing the opinion that one client was unsuitable.

Unfortunately, even if you don't breach the campaigning rules in writing to your branch members, you could cause anger on the part of candidates or their supporters if they feel that you have been unfair to them. And I think they would be right to feel so as well. The opinion of a branch chairman or othe branch officer by virtue of the position held by that person will carry some weight amongst ordinary members, and an unfavourable word or expression of support by such a person could be enough to make somone an MEP or destroy their chances in that regard.

I would suggest that offering your opinion in a private phone conversation or email to people you know well is not an issue, but generally writing the membership at large could cause a lot of anger and friction. UKIP does disharmony very well and I don't think we need to run the risk of creating more.