Local elections set to be delayed due to coronavirus

For the second year running, coronavirus looks likely to cause the postponement of scheduled local elections.

Last year elections across the country were cancelled and elected councillors whose time was due to run out were asked to stay on for another year.

Now, with a third national lockdown in force and the clock ticking down towards 6th May, it is being suggested there is another delay to ensure the poll can take place safely.

Last week the government began contacting local councils to seek their views on what should be done. In hundreds of elections scheduled across the country more than 40 million people will be entitled to vote.

What appears to be the most likely scenario is that the elections will be put back to the autumn, with October appearing to be a preferred scenario in the regions – though word is that Downing Street would prefer to see the elections put back just one month.

It's not just the issues of voting on one day and the subsequent count that causes concern: elections are likely to bring about significant door-to-door canvassing which health experts fear would create another spike in Covid-19 transmission.

The search for answers from across the country is being driven from Whitehall, where a source told the Sunday Times last week:

"Local government leaders have had a suggestion from government that the elections are moved to June or July, but many think that's too soon to ensure polling booths are safe so have mooted the idea of September. Holding the elections with postal votes only has been ruled out."

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