Ofcom reminds broadcasters over election rules

Broadcasters are being warned to review political coverage throughout the Holborn and St Pancras election period.

The UK Parliamentary by election takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026, with Ofcom confirming that the election period began on Monday 7 September. It will end when the poll closes.

Radio and television services must comply with rules covering due impartiality and requirements for elections and referendums.

Broadcasters are also reminded that political advertising is prohibited under the Communications Act 2003 and the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising.

Ofcom says stations can refer to its electoral digest from February when deciding how to allocate coverage. However, they may also need to consider more recent evidence because of changes in political support.

The regulator said: “During any election period, broadcasters need to keep under review relevant new evidence of current electoral support to ensure that due weight and an appropriate amount of coverage is given to political parties.”

Complaints raising substantive due impartiality issues may be handled quickly when action could be required before polling day. Broadcasters should therefore be ready to respond to Ofcom within short timescales.

Ofcom says any breach involving election programming could be considered serious and may result in regulatory action, including a statutory sanction.