Elections
Making things better
If we had more time to step back and think, and less pressure, what would we be building and how would it be better? Professor Donna Hall asks the question.
Calls to vaccinate election workers grow
Pressure is growing for key election workers to be prioritised in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout after the Government confirmed polls will take place in May.
The county life
The path from local to national politics is a well-trodden one, and many an MP has cut their teeth as a councillor.
The problem with polls
Local government has finally learned that two years’ worth of elections will take place on ‘Super Thursday’ 6 May, with a ‘high bar’ for any delay. Martin Ford talks to the sector about the challenges ahead.
What's the future for digital democracy without virtual meetings?
Handforth Parish Council aside, if we can't hold council meeting via Zoom beyond 6 May, what will democracy look like after the elections, asks Kathy O'Leary
Guidance issued on school polling stations
Returning officers have been told schools used as polling stations should be given back for teaching the next day.
Election funds 'not enough'
Government funding for running elections under pandemic restrictions does not go far enough, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said.
Councils call for ‘assurance’ on elections
Officers handed the task of holding elections during a pandemic have appealed for more help from Whitehall.
Government confirms May election date
The Government has officially confirmed local elections will go ahead on May 6.
Opinion split over election date
Concerned council chief executives have continued to express safety fears about holding elections in May despite regional returning officers telling ministers it can be done.
McArdle drafted in to help Croydon
The lead commissioner at Northamptonshire CC, Tony McArdle, has been appointed to chair Section 114-hit Croydon LBC’s government improvement panel.
Government accused of hypocrisy over election campaigning
The Government has been accused of hypocrisy for ruling the local elections can go ahead, but restricting councillors’ ability to campaign.
Jenrick tells leaders to prepare for May elections
Council leaders have urged the Government to reconsider pressing ahead with local elections in May.
May elections to go ahead as chiefs call for indemnity
Local elections will go ahead on 6 May despite the ongoing pandemic, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled.
Hall puts pressure on Croydon for May mayoral referendum
Local government minister Luke Hall has suggested any referendum on introducing a directly-elected mayor for Croydon LBC should be held in May alongside the local elections.
EXCLUSIVE: Election officers bid for legal protection
Returning officers have called for protection against lawsuits for running this year’s elections if the Government sticks to holding them in May during a pandemic.
Minister insists the May polls will go ahead
Local elections should go ahead in May, constitution minister Chloe Smith has insisted amid rising concerns over safety during the pandemic.
Government moots plans to postpone polls again
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick pushing the Prime Minister for a quick decision on postponing elections, The MJ understands.
Call for ‘urgent clarity’ on elections
Speculation over whether local elections will take place in May as scheduled has been labelled ‘unhelpful’ by councils.
EXCLUSIVE: COVID positive voters could be allowed in polling stations
Councils could be forced to allow people known to have COVID-19 come into polling stations to vote in the elections next year under plans being considered by the Government.
