Cllr Paul Steedman

Local Greens have called for all Brighton Pavilion candidates to agree to a clean campaign pledge. Candidates taking the pledge will commit to refrain from personal attacks, not to mislead the public about who is likely to win and to make only honest and reasonable promises.

Paul Steedman, Green party Campaign director, said:
“I would like to challenge the other parties in Brighton Pavilion to agree to a Clean Campaign Pledge ahead of the general election. Public regard for politicians has never been lower, and it is crucial that we help regain the public's trust in politics.

“Voters are tired of negative campaigning, of insults and innuendo. Greens in the city will continue to campaign on the issues that matter to local people including the economy, health, education  and climate change not on hypocritical and petty point scoring which seems to have begun."

Caroline Lucas, Green general election candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency, said:
"The Green Party has a long tradition of playing fair in its election campaigning. It would show proper respect for the people of Brighton for all parties to agree to campaign on the issues people want to hear about.

"If elected, I will serve the people of Brighton as an honest and independent voice, who will represent and fight for the issues that local residents care about. This is reflected in my campaign, which is signed up to the Clean Campaign Pledge, and I urge other candidates to sign the pledge as well."

The Clean Campaign Pledge

We, the undersigned, pledge:

• To fight a clean, positive and honest campaign around the issues that concern local voters.
• To tell the truth about what we stand for and have achieved, and about what others stand for and have achieved.
• To refrain from personal attacks.
• To make only honest and reasonable promises.
• To be honest about public spending.
• To publish online details of all donations of more than £1,000, in line with Electoral Commission rules.

Lawrence Eke, Chair of Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats said:
"All our candidates will adhere to the highest codes of conduct. We care about all of the residents in Brighton & Hove, not just those who live in Pavilion. We believe all candidates should be honest and open about themselves and their policies.

"We don't agree with the Greens that only donations over £1000 should be disclosed. We would like to see disclosure of all donations above £50 to ensure the maximum transparency in this campaign. We hope that they will commit to this.

'We always welcome moves towards transparency and openness for all political representatives."

Charlotte Vere, the Tory candidate for Pavilion said she would not be signing the Green's 'Clean Campaign Pledge' until the Greens abide by it themselves. She said:
"I will make my own campaign pledge to the voters of Brighton Pavilion, in my own words and I shall stick to it."

Nancy Platts, the Labour candidate for Pavilion said:
"I have fought a clean campaign since my selection in June 2007, declaring donations in line with Electoral Commission rules and will continue to do so. 
 
"Obviously, I welcome any commitment to positive campaigning, but it’s interesting the Greens propose this after spending thousands of pounds on a negative billboard campaign during the Labour Party conference in September; maybe they found it was a waste of money?
 
"I hope that this new commitment from the Greens will include being honest with voters on the ballot paper too and including their candidate’s main home address in Brussels, rather than the room she rents in Brighton for weekend visits.
 
"I think they also need to start being honest on their literature by using the relevant figures about their real vote.  They came third in the last General Election, behind the Tories and they need to be open with voters about this or how can anyone trust them? Comparing votes in local and European elections with the General Election is like comparing apples and pears."

For more of Charlotte's views about the Greens visit:
www.charlottevere.com/blog/

For more information about the Greens view: www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk

For more information about the Labour view:
www.nancyplatts.com