Has MNHQ given up being politically impartial?

[WalkingThePlank]

Why is there a near constant Labour Party advert on both the main and local Mumsnet sites? I thought MNHQ didn't accept political advertising and had a policy of being politically impartial.

The only time I don't see the advert is when the picture of Tristram Hunt, the Labour Party shadow cabinet member pops up, plugging his webchat.

[Seeline]

I agree - firstly it is very annoying, constantly flipping image in the corner of my eye. Secondly, all parties should be represented or none.

[JustineMumsnet]

Hi there
This is a run of site ad (ie pops up randomly) set to run for a couple of days. We'd run ads from all the major parties if they were to ask - last election both Conservative and Labour advertised.

[TheCowThatLaughs]

It's because they're mates with Dave and boris. It balances things out

[JustineMumsnet]

We'd be happy to consider putting political ads on our banned list if that's what the majority think we should do.

Here's the list as it currently stands by the way

Payday loans
Follow-on/formula milk
Baby food marketed to age under six months
Gambling
Cosmetic surgery
Nestle (formula milk marketing in dev world)
Publications, eg The Sun, Nuts and Zoo, which objectify women
Porn
Sex shops
Seaworld

Please do let us know your thoughts

[Fiderer]

I don't think you should ban them just because one party chooses to place an ad here and others don't. They can too if they want and it's not as if they're not aware of MN.

Imo totally different to everything else on the banned list. General election, parties want to advertise and as it's open to all, don't see why all should be banned, iyswim.

Justine Liked Andrew Marr's comment about this one not being a "Mumsnet election" Thought you were very clear, calm and knowledgeable btw.

[JustineMumsnet]

@Fiderer

I don't think you should ban them just because one party chooses to place an ad here and others don't. They can too if they want and it's not as if they're not aware of MN.

Imo totally different to everything else on the banned list. General election, parties want to advertise and as it's open to all, don't see why all should be banned, iyswim.

Justine Liked Andrew Marr's comment about this one not being a "Mumsnet election" Thought you were very clear, calm and knowledgeable btw.

Thanks Fiderer - very kind of you to say (felt anything but, obviously).

[hoobypickypicky]

Nestle/Formula/follow-on milk = fine (yes, I know the argument against).

Political ads - I'd rather not see. I won't be influenced by them, that's for sure, but I'd like to think that MN takes steps not to influence and to be seen to be apolitical.

[JoanHickson]

If the political parties want to hound members for money and then waste it on a mn advert, more fool them. They would be better off coming in for a Web chat.

Their adverts may receive better returns on other gullible sites.

[wandymum]

All the major newspapers carry ads from the political parties - it doesn't mean they endorse them. I bet even the Guardian has carried Tory ads or the Sun Labour ads at some point.

That said, there do seem to have been more webchats with left leaning politicians than tories. I was looking forward to haranguing Boris, specially since him and Justine are pals (please say it is only pals - we all now his rep!).

[BeansInBoots]

I don't see any problem with political advertising on mn as long as it's open to every party. It's up to them if they want to utilise it..

Why are seaworld banned though?!

[morethanpotatoprints]

Whats wrong with seaworld, sex and porn?
not together of course.

[AnnoyedByAlfieBear]

Seaworld are vile. Google 'the black fish' to see a documentary on them and how they treat their animals.