Purdah is one of those words familiar to anyone covering the world of Westminster. It refers to the ‘pre-election period of sensitivity,’ when government activity and public communications are restricted to ensure impartiality. In these times of political crisis, it seems to be the word on everyone’s lips: indeed, back in February, when Keir Starmer’s days looked to be numbered, the Financial Times ran a piece titled: ‘Political crises lead to ‘perma-purdah’ in Whitehall.’
But while the Pink ‘Un is happy using the term, it seems that the right-on mandarins of SW1 are a little too squeamish to do the same. For as Antonia Romeo, the new Head of the Civil Service, gets cracking in the role, it has been confirmed that purdah is dead and buried in Whitehall. The word of course comes from the Urdu for a ‘veil’ or ‘curtain’ to ensure women’s modesty. For, having been used by the Civil Service since the Second World War, Sir Humphrey’s successors now judge the use of the word to be a little too colonial and sexist.
The word ‘purdah’ hasn’t appeared in pre-election guidance since the 2015 general election guidance and Steerpike understands that there are no plans to change the current policy on its usage. Another tradition dies a death. Talk about purdah most foul, eh?
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