Martin Ford 12 March 2020

Electoral Commission calls for autumn polls

May’s local elections should be postponed until the autumn, the Electoral Commission has said.

The coronavirus pandemic has raised questions over whether the election should go ahead.

Commission chief executive Bob Posner has written to the Government arguing that a decision must be made now as preparations are underway for the election of mayors, councillors and police and crime commissioners.

He wrote: ‘The risks to delivery that have been identified are such that we cannot be confident that voters will be able to participate in the polls safely and confidently nor that campaigners and parties will be able to put their case to the electorate.

'On the available information and position we recommend the Government now delay the May 7 polls until the autumn.'

The call has been backed by the Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) and shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne.

Mr Posner’s fears were also echoed at a meeting of council leaders at the Local Government Association (LGA) this afternoon.

However, the chief executive of Public Health England, Duncan Selbie, told the meeting it was ‘too early’ to postpone the elections and it was a ‘political and science-based decision’ that had to be taken by the Government.

Visit The MJ (£) for more on this story.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner