In an election year the phrase hustings comes back into our vocabulary after a period in the wilderness. What are hustings and what do parish and town councils need to be mindful of?
This information is correct at the time of distribution and publication.
General Election 2024/25
Before you read further, we haven’t received news of the date for a general election or hold any information relating to dates of a general election. However, I would like to remind everyone about important information with regard to hustings.
What are hustings?
This is a meeting where election candidates or parties debate policies and answer questions from an audience. Hustings provide voters with an opportunity to hear the views of candidates or political parties and could include a questions and answer session. Imagine BBC's Question Time - but in your own community and without Fiona Bruce hosting!
It’s an unusual phrase that becomes far more widely used in an election year. Some locations favour hustings and organise them in the lead up to an election, other locations may not. They aren’t mandatory, but if they are suggested you might like to consider the points below, specifically if parish or town council buildings are being used.
What are selective and non-selective hustings?
A non-selective husting and any costs associated with such meetings are not regulated. These are attended by all those intending to stand for election. A selective husting is one which just promotes or includes a single party or candidate, or specifically invited candidates rather than all candidates, If planning such a husting the organiser will need to account for costs.
What are the implications for Parish and Town Councils organising hustings?
Parish and town councils are advised not to mix hustings with council meetings. If you are planning to organise a husting, there are two points to be aware of:
- Avoid using an ordinary meeting of council, including the annual Parish Meeting (1 March to 1 June) or Annual Meeting of Council (within 14 days of the election this year) to stage a husting. If you wish to run the husting on the same day, ensure there is a clear start and finish time for the council meeting. Stage the husting either before or after that meeting, not part of the meeting.
- Councils are advised where possible to run non-selective hustings, where all candidates are invited to avoid appearing to promote one or two specific individuals or political parties.
What action might I need to take?
- For those not planning on organising or hosting a husting – nothing but to be aware of this note should circumstances change.
- For those thinking or planning hustings – share and consider the points above when planning the activity.
You can read more on the Electoral Commission website: READ ABOUT HUSTINGS
