May’s elections could be postponed across the UK for the second year in a row

Elections could be postponed again in England, due to the Covid pandemic, as the Prime Minister said they will be kept “under review”.

An unusually high number of local authorities and national assemblies are due to elect representatives this year on 6 May, after last year’s elections were postponed due to the pandemic.

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But concerns over the prevalence of the virus and whether it will be brought under control by spring have led to some speculation that they will be postponed yet again.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour MP for Enfield Southgate, Bambos Charalambous, asked the Prime Minister whether this year’s local elections are likely to go ahead.

He said: “Given the example of elections being held in other countries including the elections held overnight in Georgia, can the PM confirm that it is his intention that the local elections in 2021 go ahead as scheduled on 6 May, and not be delayed any further?”

In a brief response, Boris Johnson said he wants them to go ahead, though offered little reassurance that this would be the case.

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Mr Johnson said: “Of course, that’s what the law provides for, though obviously we’ll have to keep it under review.”

Which elections are due to take place?

As a result of postponements last year, more elections were due to take place this May than during most years.

These elections are currently scheduled to take place all over the UK, including local council elections in England, mayoral elections for local and combined authorities, police and crime commissioner elections, as well as Welsh and Scottish parliamentary elections.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has said that “she can see no reason at this stage” why May’s Holyrood elections cannot go ahead in Scotland, although question marks remain.

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Some politicians have expressed concerns about campaigning while focus should still be on tackling the pandemic.

The London assembly and Mayor of London elections are also scheduled to take place this year, with incumbent Sadiq Khan widely expected to win with ease against Conservative challenger, Shaun Bailey.

You can find out about the elections which are currently scheduled to take place in your area on 6 May, by checking the Electoral Commission’s website and entering your postcode.