Local elections postponed for a year

On the recommendation of the Electoral Commission, which regulates elections in the UK, this year’s English local council elections have been postponed due to “serious concerns” over public health during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The elections, which were due to be held in May 2020, will apparently now be delayed for one year. The decision also applies to mayoral and crime commissioner elections.

The Commission had recommended postponement until the autumn to mitigate the impact of the virus but the government has decided on a year’s delay, subject to parliamentary approval. More information here.