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The Telegraph newspaper has received a warning shot from the Electoral Commission after promoting a series of ads on Meta (as well as X) that read as anti-Labour attack stories.
The right-wing outlet is running ads warning of “disaster” if Labour is elected and introduces VAT on private school fees.
On the 28th May, a few days after Sunak announced the snap election, the paper spent at least £500 promoting a piece: “Learn why Labour’s plans for private school fees could spell disaster.”
The day after, another ad ran, reaching around a million people. It was an interview with PM Sunak leading on his claim that he and Boris Johnson “were in touch the other day, talking about the risk that Starmer would pose to our country’s security”. Over £1,000 was spent.
This month, at least four out of eight ads from the Telegraph identified by June 10th can be described as anti-Labour, including: “In this general election, the choice is clear” above an article saying: “Will a Labour win spell disaster for Britain’s schools?”
Byline Times needs your help to investigate disinformation and electoral exclusion as we head towards the 2024 General Election.
We’re asking for your help to keep track of dodgy campaigning this election, so if you spot anything that bears investigation, please email us at votewatch24@bylinetimes.com.
Another ad reads: “Learn why many soon-to-be-retirees are making weighty financial decisions, based on speculation” above an article saying: “Savers drain pension pots ahead of Labour tax raid.”
It has led to speculation that the ads could be considered “third party campaigning” on behalf of the Conservative Party. The ads are formally classed as political/issues-based by Meta, though this does not mean they are considered party-political for the purposes of electoral law.