Purdah (pre-election period)

Purdah (/ˈpɜːrdə/) is the period in the United Kingdom between the announcement of an election and the formation of the new elected government. It affects civil servants, who must be politically impartial, preventing central and local government from making announcements about any new or controversial government initiatives that could be seen to be advantageous to any candidates or parties in the forthcoming election. Purdah does not apply to candidates for political office. Where a court determines that actual advantage has been given to a candidate, this may amount to a breach of Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986.

The name has been criticised for its connection to the "sexist" practice of purdah, and various public bodies and departments have dropped it in favour of terms like "pre-election period" and "heightened sensitivity".