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

Technical Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
Grade 5 £25,992 – £27,711
This is a really exciting time to join Wyre Council, with a new Leader and Chief Executive leading our next chapter. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner