THE GUARDIAN: Tories 'on very dodgy ground' over delay of air pollution plan, say experts

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Colin Talbot, professor of government at Manchester University, said the government was on “very dodgy ground”.

 

“Purdah rules normally only come into effect when parliament is dissolved, not as soon as an election is called. In this case it is quite clear they have stretched the definition considerably.”

He said the move seemed to be overtly political. “They have stretched the time limit, it has no legal standing and it seems to be completely selective – they are settling other bits of legislation and government announcements – so I think it is pretty clear they are just using this as an excuse not to put out this particular policy statement.”