Party leaders respond to cancellation of England's elections

The local party leaders – Allen Brett, Ashley Dearnley and Andy Kelly – have all responded to the news that there will be no local or mayoral elections this year in England.

Due to be held in May, the elections will no longer be held due to the coronavirus pandemic.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/133255/breaking-all-england-elections-postponed

Leader of the council and the local Labour party, Allen Brett – who was up for election – said: “I’m slightly surprised the elections have been abandoned for a year, but we are still awaiting more details.

“What does this mean for those who were hoping to retire this year; will there be a by-election?”

Leader of the local Conservatives, Ashley Dearnley – also due up for this year – said: “The government has taken the advice of Public Health England which is absolutely the right thing to do.

“We have to accept we need to try and prevent as much illness as possible, which is not political.

“It is sad, and it is especially sad for those people who are ill, and we need to do what we can to contain the illness.

“We should be taking advice and recommendations from health professionals not politicians.”

Leader of the local Liberal Democrats, Andy Kelly, who was standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Greater Manchester Metro Mayor election, said: “It is the right decision, but I’m puzzled as to why the postponement is for 12 months rather than four.

“It will be really interesting for the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework because it had been kicked into the grass until after the election. Surely it can’t be postponed again; surely they can’t go a year without a housing plan?

“I’d like to see what the Greater Manchester Mayor’s office is going to do.”

Responding to the Government’s announcement that this year’s local elections will be postponed for one year, Councillor James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, 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.”

At the time of publication, next week’s full council meeting on Wednesday (18 March) is expected to go ahead as planned.