Political View: Why council elections should go ahead

If the May elections are cancelled another by-election is likely because of the recent death of Cllr Alan Dowson. His death came as a shock to many. Alan was a true socialist and was respected across party lines. He did so much for so many people.

The Green Party had already selected Ed Murphy to stand in Fletton & Woodston the scheduled May elections, and now he's out and about campaigning for the forthcoming by-election. Voters who have a registered postal vote will be receiving their ballot papers shortly. Ed and his team have reported back from their activity in the ward that local folk like the local newsletter and that they see this by-election as a contest between the Greens and perhaps Reform. Many former Labour and Conservative voters are saying they will vote for Ed the Green Party candidate, & that he is out in front and delivering effective action on local concerns.

"I would like to thank all those who have helped get our newsletters out, and residents who have already promised they will vote for me," said Ed. “If elected I will voice your concerns in the council chamber irrespective of party politics. I will scrutinise council decisions so that they operate a more effective, efficient and economically sound council. One that is dealing with the core issues; cleaning the streets, fixing roads, tackling homelessness and providing proper leisure and cultural facilities, rather than wasting millions on costly mistakes such as unfinished hotels.

The Peterborough Green party believe the cancellation of local elections is undemocratic and will prevent people from having their say about who they wish to represent them. With national polling, it's becoming increasingly clear that legacy councils with their current political makeup do not represent the wishes of the public.

We didn't have any elections last year with it being a fallow year. Many people feel that denying residents their voting rights leaves us with a representation that is significantly different to what residents would want.

We understand that the system may change once Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) happens - but we are not in that place yet. There is no business plan yet for LGR and we feel that the target implementation date of 2027/28 is very ambitious. Does this mean that we keep cancelling elections until we are ready for LGR, which may not happen until later than planned? Capacity and resources have been put forward as arguments, but these elections are part of a cycle and have always been planned to take place.

There may also be councillors who had intended to stand down in 2026 and are now in effect forced to stay another year, or even as it seems one year and 10 months more. If these councillors decide to resign there will be more by elections and expense for the council.

As councillors we are elected by the people, we are not employed. Therefore residents have the right to vote for the councillors they wish to represent them. Cancelling elections takes this democratic right away and makes a mockery of the system.