The Pride of South Holland Awards that was due to take place last Sunday was postponed.
It follows concerns raised by South Holland District Council on Friday, June 21 over ‘purdah’.
That refers to the period before a General Election where local authorities have to limit what they can announce and provide funds for so as not to be seen to be promoting a political party.
Organiser Jan Whitbourn said that the authority raised concerns after learning a politician who had agreed to attend before the election was called was still set to be in attendance.
Although their appearance was cancelled, the district council asked for its contribution to this year’s event ‘be deferred’.
The contribution relates to the numerous councillors from different parties who had sponsored awards using their ward budgets.
A spokesman from South Holland District Council said: “The Pride awards are run by an external organisation, not the council. It was the organiser’s decision to postpone the awards.
“Due to the fact we are in the pre-election period in the lead into the General Election and a politician was due to attend, the council did request that our contribution to this year’s event was deferred and used towards next year’s event. During a pre-election period, the council cannot use its resources in such a way that would give a particular party a political platform and this would have been the case had the event gone ahead with the speaker and the council’s funding was used.
“The organisers opted to postpone the awards and we wish them well with their re-arranged event.”
Ms Whitbourn, who has organised the Pride of South Holland Awards for the last nine years in association with The Voice, said: “I’m terribly sorry for all the inconvenience. I know some had gone to incredible lengths to attend.
“Rest assured that we will be looking to re-arrange as soon as we can and will recognise these amazing people who make such a difference to South Holland.”
The awards ceremony will take place at the South Holland Centre at a date yet to be set later this year.
