The Government has bowed to pressure and postponed the local elections until next year

Right up until Friday’s welcome u-turn, the Government had seemed determined to plough on with the Local Elections, Metro Mayoral Elections and the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections despite the fact that they would be taking place whilst the Covid-19 virus was predicted to be at its height.

The election campaign would have involved politicians and their campaign teams knocking on doors, the day itself would have brought people together for voting, and the count would have involved thousands of people nationwide spending time together in an enclosed environment for several hours.

In other words, the elections would have given the virus a boost. More people would have become infected. More people would have died.

Willenhall Liberal Democrats will continue to deliver our regular FOCUS leaflets this month whilst it is still safe and legal to do so. We paused our delivering this weekend to prepare a message to residents regarding the postponed elections.

Lib Dem Cllrs Ian Shires and Dan Barker fully support deferring the election due to the public health emergency. In a joint message to constituents Ian and Dan said they will continue working hard on their behalf in the tough times ahead, ensuring Walsall Council and the wider community deliver whatever support is needed.

Ian and Dan have asked for cross-party cooperation in these troubled times. Walsall Council needs to take the lead in being the point of contact for those offering to help and seeking up to date trusted information. Time to put politics aside. Stay safe.