FOI Request 2150

Subject: Distribution of Political Leaflets in the Runcorn Helsby Constituency

Status: Complete

Date received: May 2025

Question Asked:

Can you please supply information on

1. How many fire brigade employees, in uniform, were distributing Political leaflets in the Runcorn Helsby constituency area on May 1st.

2. Where these officers on official Fire Brigade duties as they were in uniform

3. Were the Senior management of Cheshire Fire Services informed these employees would be undertaking such activity and was this authorised

4. These leaflets were from the Fire Brigade Union. Did Cheshire Fire Brigade consult in advance of this action and authorise distribution in the name of the Cheshire Fire Service.

Our Response:

Please see our response below to your Freedom of Information Request.

This event was organised from FBU National, we can confirm that we have accounted for our crews who did not attend. However, an off duty CFRS staff member did assist with the event and attended in their official FBU role. The directive and request to attend came from FBU not CFRS.

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO