Labour is calling on the Government to suspend the local
elections scheduled for 7 May because of the spread of the
coronavirus.
The Party’s General Secretary Jennie Formby has today
written to the Electoral Commission to support its call for a
postponement, saying that Labour “always want democratic
processes to continue as much as is practical and safe”, but in
light of public health concerns the primary focus for council
staff as we head towards the peak of the outbreak should be on
providing essential public services.
The letter adds:
“We share your concerns about the ability of local
authorities to deliver the elections in advance and on the day,
at the same time as continuing to manage vital services that will
have increased pressure on them due to the coronavirus.
“We also have serious concerns about the health and
wellbeing of our staff and members who would be campaigning in
the run up to 7 May. As such, we have today advised our
Constituency Labour Parties to cancel all campaigning and
meetings.”
Labour also notes that elections in 2001 were postponed
because of the foot and mouth outbreak and that “this is a far
more serious situation affecting human health”.
Ends
Full text of letter to Electoral Commission Chief
Executive Bob Posner:
We were pleased to read your letter dated
12 March
to Cabinet Ministers in which you raise concerns about the real
risks to the successful delivery of the scheduled 7 May elections
because of the spread of the coronavirus.
Of course we always want democratic processes to continue
as much as is practical and safe, but we believe you are right to
raise serious concerns.
The takes our public health
responsibilities seriously and, having discussed these concerns
today, we have agreed to support your request to postpone the
elections.
We share your concerns about the ability of local
authorities to deliver the elections in advance and on the day,
at the same time as continuing to manage vital services that will
have increased pressure on them due to the coronavirus.
We also have serious concerns about the health and
wellbeing of our staff and members who would be campaigning in
the run up to 7 May. As such, we have today advised our
Constituency Labour Parties to cancel all campaigning and
meetings.
We agree that the direct and indirect effects of the
coronavirus mean there is likely to be a significant numbers of
registered electors who would not have the opportunity to vote,
or feel inclined to vote – hampering the democratic process
regardless.
As well as the public health considerations for the
electorate, the primary focus for local council staff as we head
towards the peak for the virus in the UK must be to ensure the
continuation of critical public services like social care, home
care and refuse collection. These frontline staff should not be
diverted to administer local elections.
Local elections (and the General Election) in 2001 were
postponed because of the foot and mouth outbreak. This is a far
more serious situation affecting human health. So, as well as
being led by the medical advice, we must also be guided by other
official advice and therefore postpone these elections as you
propose.
We will be copying our letter to you to the other political
parties.
Yours sincerely,
Jennie Formby
General Secretary
