Neutrality of Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators Reconfirmed

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By the Returning Officer, Mike Rappolt as election of the WPCC deadline approaches

Putney Common - Andrew Wilson@andrewpics

As tensions heighten and accusations fly in all directions in the lead up to the election deadline on 28th February, Mike Rappolt the returning officer has clarified the neutrality of the WPCC during the election with two statements. Mr Rappolt was the Ministry of Defence-appointed Conservator to replace Sir Ian Andrews whose term ended in May 2017.


Mike Rappolt

On 15th February he posted the following:
'It has been brought to my attention that election material issued by one candidate contains the WPCC logo and crest. I wish to make it clear that WPCC has not endorsed any use of its crest or logo on any candidate’s election material and that use of the WPCC crest and logo does NOT imply any endorsement of that candidate by the WPCC. The WPCC is, and will remain, entirely neutral throughout the election and does not and will not endorse any specific candidates.'

It has been brought to my attention that election material issued by certain candidates contains reference to, and the text of, a statement made by Ms. Whyte on the PutneySW15.com, WandsworthSW18.com and WimbledonSW19.com web sites. The statement on the candidates’ own webpage refers to Ms Whyte as a “current elected WPCC Conservator”. I wish to make it clear that WPCC has not approved the terms of the statement and the statements on the PutneySW15.com, WandsworthSW18.com and WimbledonSW19.com web sites were given by Ms. Whyte in her personal capacity and not as a current Conservator nor as Chairman of the WPCC as was her statement at the hustings organised by The Wimbledon Society. The use of the statement by these candidates does NOT imply any endorsement of those particular candidates nor a rejection of other candidates by the WPCC. The WPCC is, and will remain, entirely neutral throughout the election and does not and will not endorse any specific candidates.

It has also been drawn to my attention that certain candidates have given linkages in their election material to the WPCC web site or to WPCC staff. This is without the Charity’s consent and in no way implies connection or support.

I have also had some enquiries regarding Ballot Papers. Any voter who is eligible to vote in the WPCC election and who has not received, lost, mislaid or spoiled their ballot paper should now get in touch directly with Electoral Reform Services at www.electoralreform.co.uk

On the previous day (14th February) he posted the following:

' It has been brought to my attention that election material issued by one candidate contains the WPCC logo and crest. I wish to make it clear that WPCC has not endorsed any use of its crest or logo on any candidate’s election material and that use of the WPCC crest and logo does NOT imply any endorsement of that candidate by the WPCC. The WPCC is, and will remain, entirely neutral throughout the election and does not and will not endorse any specific candidates.'

February 17, 2018