Boris Johnson postpones local and mayoral elections for a year over coronavirus
BORIS Johnson has postponed the local and mayoral elections for a year due to fears over the coronavirus.
The decision comes with the polls coming at the same time as the projected peak of the virus outbreak.
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Britain had been heading for the polls on May 7, only for the PM to put the event back by a year.
One of the contests delayed is the London mayoral election, which sees London mayor Sadiq Khan going up against Tory Shaun Bailey and Independent Rory Stewart.
Speaking after the delay, Mr Stewart said it was the "right decision".
He added: "We should now move more rapidly to close gatherings, and schools; extend the isolation period; and restrict non-essential visits to care homes (who have few back up options for patients if they have to close.)"
Other elections affected include 118 English councils, the London Assembly, and seven English regional mayors.
It was also welcomed by the Local Government Association.
Chairman James Jamieson 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.”
It comes after the Electoral Commission warned yesterday the polls should be delayed until autumn to "mitigate" the impact of the virus.
The polling watchdog claimed there were "growing risks" to the delivery of the polls.
In a letter, they said: “We anticipate that as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of Covid-19, there will be significant numbers of registered electors who in practice will not have opportunity to vote, or feel inclined.”
It also said that campaigners and parties may not “be able to put their case to the electorate.”
It added: “Clearly any decisions to delay elections which are due is significant and would not normally be desirable; however, we are in unprecedented times.”
Ten people have died with the virus, with 798 cases confirmed UK-wide.
