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07
Nov 2022
Harrogate Conservatives breached data rules relating to Lib Dem rival
Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association “failed to comply” with data protection laws after distributing election leaflets which included a Liberal Democrat candidate's personal details.
The Information Commissioner’s Office found the local Conservative branch published the name and address of Knaresborough councillor Matt Walker during May's local elections while promoting its own candidate.
In a letter to Cllr Walker following his complaint, the ICO said it found the matter was done without his consent and that it could not constitute a “legitimate or lawful” use of personal data.
It said:
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The commissioner’s office added it would provide the Conservative association with advice and guidance on “improving their data processing in the future”.
It also said it would take no further action at this time, but would keep a record of complaints against Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives and “take these into account if more are received”.
In a tweet, Cllr Walker said he was “absolutely disgusted” that his personal data was used.
https://twitter.com/MattWalkerLD/status/1588817092744478720
Mr Walker told the Stray Ferret he was at heightened risk of being targeted by anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists because he works for the NHS and helped with vaccination technology.
He added:
Mr Walker added he "looked forward to receiving an apology".
The Stray Ferret has approached Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives for a response.
In 2020, Conservative Harrogate Borough Council leader, Richard Cooper, sent a letter to the ICO asking for the local Lib Dems’ petitions to be investigated for “data harvesting”.
Cllr Cooper said none of the four petitions were submitted to relevant bodies and were instead an exercise to build a database of contact information.
The Liberal Democrats described the accusations as a ploy to put people off signing petitions but an ICO spokesperson provided the Lib Dems with advice to improve their data protection policies following the complaint.
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