Elections must not be delayed again this year, police chief insists

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said "more postal vote ballots" should be used to prevent people queuing at polling stations.

Local council elections, as well as polls for regional mayors and crime commissioners were due to take place last May, but were postponed for 12 months due to the lockdown.

Responding to reports they could be pushed back again this year due to Covid, Mr Jamieson said it was vital they went ahead.

The Labour PCC, who is planning to step down this year, said: "It is my view that those elections in May, for local government, for mayor, for PCC – in other parts of the country there are other roles as well – that those elections should take place, and the Government should be making sure that we can do so safely without spreading the disease.

"We should do it possibly by having more postal vote ballots. I think we need to do this – and do this urgently. I think if we delay things won't be any better in June or July, or possibly in September, we don't know this.

"I think we just ought to get on with it, and I do reflect that both the United States of America have elected a President and last week Uganda went to the polls.

"So it is possible to do this, and surely this country can manage as well."

Concerns were raised about social distancing during the US election as huge queues of voters were seen at polling stations during what was described as the "most deadly phase" of the pandemic.

Ministers have said the issue of this year's election is being kept under review, although reports have suggested that polls are highly unlikely to take place on May 6.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said measures had been planned to "support absent voting at short notice", while holding the elections with postal votes only has already been ruled out.

Greater Manchester's mayoral and council elections are in line to be postponed until Summer, according to reports.