MAYORAL and local elections in England have been postponed for one year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The news comes shortly after it was revealed that two people had tested positive for COVID-19 in Worcestershire.
The Electoral Commission said yesterday that the polls should be delayed until the autumn to mitigate the impact of the virus.
The polling watchdog had said there were ‘growing risks’ to the delivery of the polls on May 7.
Redditch Borough Council leader Matt Dormer (Conservative), said: “It’s a hard decision to make in light of the current situation with coronavirus.
“I’m gutted because I feel our party was in a really strong position both locally and nationally.
“It would have been great to go to the elections this year with that momentum.
“Next year will be a combined election with the county and mayoral elections, which concerns me.
“It’s not good when there’s too many options put in front of the electorate.
“But we will continue our good work here in Redditch.”
Labour leader Coun Bill Hartnett said he was surprised to hear that the Government was suspending this year’s local elections.
“However given the current COVID-19 virus, and the pressure that it has placed on all public services, I welcome this Government decision.
“The last time anything like this happened was during the foot and mouth outbreak which was about 19 years ago and the Government delayed the county council elections.”
