[Stuart]

Presumably with a number of well known Tory MPs standing down they'll try and get around the purduh by using them and arguing they are not politically affiliated.

Purdah doesn't stop former MPs from speaking. There are no longer any MPs during Purdah as Parliament would have been dissolved.

Even the Prime Minister ceases to be an MP, they hold their post by virtue of a Crown appointment as do Secretaries of State and Ministers.

The purpose of Purdah is to prevent any Ministerial action creating major changes to legislation/procedures and provides very detailed restrictions to Civil Servants. The only TV media restrictions are on reporting on the day of an election while the polls are open.