Liberal Democrats call holding local elections in May 'irresponsible'
Liberal Democrats in the Black Country have branded a decision to hold local elections this year "nothing short of irresponsible".
Campaigners in Wolverhampton hit out at the move which will see council, mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections held.
It will all go ahead on May 6 – dubbed "Super Thursday" – after the Cabinet Office confirmed the polls would not be delayed again.
But campaigners have argued the Government "still isn't" taking the pandemic seriously and is putting people at risk for "no reason".
Nick Machnik-Foster, from the Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats, said: "Earlier this month Lib Dems were singled out by the Government for delivering election campaign materials and now the same Government is wanting everyone to visit houses all over the place just so candidates can stand.
"The decision to hold elections when many won't have had their second dose is nothing short of irresponsible. The risk to poll workers shows that even after 12 months this government still isn't taking the pandemic seriously."
Mr Machnik-Foster raised concerns over the nomination process which involves collecting signatures – known as nominations – in order to nominate a candidate.
He added: "With nominations having to be collected in March many will not have even had their first dose putting everyone in this process at risk for no reason and with many polling stations being in schools this would be yet more valuable school time children will be missing out on."
Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith said democracy "should not be cancelled" because of Covid-19.
She added: "We are publishing a detailed plan to deliver May’s elections in a safe and secure way.
"This is backed up by additional funding for councils, and practical changes to electoral laws to help both voters and candidates.
"More than ever, local people need their say as we build back better, on issues ranging from local roads, to safer streets, to the level of council tax."
"As the Government rolls out the vaccine to the most vulnerable, we will be able to leave lockdown and open our country up safely again.
"We will work with political parties to ensure that these important elections are free and fair."
