Election postponed until 2021

LOCAL elections in Halton and to elect Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner have been delayed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cabinet Office announced on Friday the Government had decided to postpone the ballots, which were due in May.

They are not expected to take place in May 2021.

Local elections take place every three out of four years in Halton with the next break due in 2021 prior to the change due to coronavirus.

The delay also applied to the Liverpool City Region metromayor election, which Halton residents would have been eligible to vote in.

Local government and election bodies have welcomed the postponement due to the circumstances.

Cllr James Jamieson, Local Government Association chairman, said: “The LGA has been raising a number of issues with Government including the possible impact of coronavirus on local elections.

“The swift decision is very helpful.

“Councils will now continue to put all of their efforts into supporting their local communities as the nation tackles COVID-19.”

Bob Posner, Electoral Commission chief executive, said: “We welcome and support the UK Government’s decision to postpone the May elections.

“This will allow local authorities to focus their efforts on delivering front line public services and importantly, mitigates risks to voters and campaigners.

“We will work with the wider electoral community to ensure elections in 2021, including these postponed elections, are well run, command public trust and attract high levels of participation.”

A statement from the Cabinet Office said: “The Government will also work with the devolved administrations to ensure that they have the necessary powers to take the same approach.

“The decision was taken following advice from the Government’s medical experts in relation to the response to the Covid-19 virus and the advice of those delivering elections.

“Legislation will now be brought forward to postpone the elections for 12 months. Further details will be set out in due course.”