Clifford Chance

UK election law: How are businesses restricted during the 2019 general election campaign?

4 November 2019

The UK is holding a general election on 12 December 2019. UK election law regulates what individuals and companies can do and say during the period before the general election.

Many businesses will wish to discuss the potential impact of different general election outcomes with their clients and counterparties. Other businesses, such as investment managers and investment banks, may wish to circulate research papers to a wider audience. Some businesses may wish to actively participate in the political debate and/or make donations. All of these activities may be constrained by UK election law.

However, with care, businesses and business leaders should be able to state their views on controversial subjects without breaking the law.

This briefing summarises the law and asks what it means in practice for business in the run-up to the election.

Download PDF