-
I wasn't being facetious, you said you didn't understand what the problem is so...
I didn't say they should stop it - the scientists could do it quite effectively, especially if it was fronted by some sort of media person to ask them questions. If it's supposed to be about giving out public health information...
Sturgeon uses them to project an image of a capable, in control leader, which is not entirely accurate but definitely very helpful during an election campaign.
Approval ratings of incumbents have gone up around the world during Covid, even if they've handled it terribly (c.f. Johnson and Co.) and this will compound that.
Fox-
I didn't say they should stop it - the scientists could do it quite effectively, especially if it was fronted by some sort of media person to ask them questions. If it's supposed to be about giving out public health information
I guess that's the issue. Does the message get further reach if Sturgeon (or Boris) delivers the message? I suspect it does but that's just a guess.
I just reminded myself of the various Purdah rules and guidelines. It's fairly clear that a minister is allowed to discharge their current duties without modification as long as they adhere to certain standards around sticking to specific issues and keeping things factual.
I understand why the fuss now but I think it's quite telling that it's only the Express and the Telegraph that seem to be making a fuss about this.
Stonehedge
I used to receive reminders of my Purdah obligations before election cycles when I was a civil servant. So I'm quite familiar with it. I just don't see why a government should stop one of their main methods of public health messaging during a pandemic just because there is an election coming up.