Special rules govern the conduct of local government from the date the election is called until the day of the election. This period of time is known as Purdah.

These rules aim to ensure that public resources are not used for party political purposes, and that there is no activity which could call into question the political impartiality of the civil service. It is also important that any activity does not draw attention away from the election itself.

Purdah will begin on 25 March 2011. Election day for the Selby district is 05 May 2011. Elections details are available on the Elections 2011 page.