Heywood and Macpherson investigate ‘electioneering’ letter

Cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood (pictured) and Treasury permanent secretary Sir Nicholas Macpherson are to investigate whether the prime minister broke government rules by writing an official letter to nearly two million businesses on the eve of European elections.


By Suzannah.Brecknell

16 Apr 2014

The letter was on Downing Street headed notepaper, and paid for by the taxpayer, but Labour has complained that it contained “propaganda” such as the statement: “We came into government with a long-term economic plan to rescue the economy.”

The letter was highlighting a £2,000 National Insurance tax break, and the Electoral Commission has asked Macpherson and Heywood to investigate whether it broke the rules.

A Number 10 spokesperson said: “The letter was drafted to target potential recipients of the new Employment Allowance, which could be worth up to £2,000 for 1.25m businesses. It is important that businesses are aware of this as soon as possible so they can check their eligibility and make use of the allowance.”

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