LOCAL elections in England will be postponed for a year after the Electoral Commission said there are “real risks” to holding votes in May.

The independent body advocated ministers put off the votes until May 2021 due to the “unprecedented times” surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

Mayoral, council and police and crime commissioner candidates were due to contest an election on May 7.

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However, the Electoral Commission said last week the elections should be delayed to "mitigate" the impact of the virus.

The Cabinet Office said it would be bringing forward legislation to enact the elections delay in England, and would ensure the Welsh authorities had the same powers.

The last time elections were delayed was in 2001, when they took place one month late due to the foot and mouth outbreak.

A statement from Redditch Labour following the postponement said: "With the announcement that local elections will be postponed for 12 months we would like to assure you that we will still be busy - in accordance with safety guidelines - in our wards and in our town.

"We are here for the community, even more so in the difficult times which may lay ahead.

"Many people will need support in the event of illness or imposed isolation, and we will be here to help you in any way we can.

"We love Redditch, and our commitment to Redditch will not be postponed."

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Former council leader Bill Hartnett said he was surprised with the move.

"However, given the current covid-19 virus (coronavirus) and the pressure that has placed on all public services and particularly in the interest of the public’s health and safety and the wellbeing of council officers who have or will shortly be faced extra workload maintaining public services I welcome this Government Decision," said the labour councillor.

"The last time anything like this happened was during the foot and mouth outbreak which was about 19 years ago the government then delayed the county council elections."

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