Liz Mair: Powell's purdah plan for social media is just an attempt to censor views she doesn't like

Liz Mair, a Republican and Conservative political strategist, argues that Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell's proposal to extend election 'purdah' rules to social media is a censorship attempt that would harm democracy. Mair contends the plan would restrict freedom of speech and deprive voters of relevant candidate information, particularly opposition research that often spreads via social media when traditional media avoids it due to purdah. She cites examples from the 2024 UK general election, including her own constituency, where social media informed voters about a candidate's ties to Islington. Mair asserts the proposal primarily protects incumbents and flawed candidates from scrutiny, not democracy.