Peterborough elections postponed due to coronavirus

Voters in the city were due to elect 22 city councillors on May 7, but with the virus expected to be at its peak at that time the Government has decided to push polling day back a year.

The election for the new police and crime commissioner in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire was also due to take place on the same day.

The delay comes at a critical time in Peterborough City Council’s future - its leader Cllr John Holdich, and cabinet member for finance Cllr David Seaton, were both due to stand down in May after deciding against seeking re-election.

At the same time, the council has pledged to undergo a transformation of its services as it tackles a funding crisis due to cuts in its government funding.

Last week, the authority saw its budget voted down, forcing the Conservatives to call back two councillors who had left the meeting to attend family emergencies.

However, with the Tories holding 28 of the council’s 60 seats and relying on the support of the three Werrington First councillors for its majority, the political scene remains fragile.

The ruling party were due to defend 14 of the 22 seats being contested this time around, with any net loss threatening to end its 21 year stint in power.

The council has confirmed that current councillors who were up for re-election in May will hold onto their seat for another year. It is not yet clear what will happen if any councillor resigns.

Around a third of the council is up for re-election every year, with 2021 due to be a blank year apart from an election for the county’s new metro mayor.

The postponement of this year’s local elections is in contrast to 2019 which saw some voters take part in five different elections, including two parliamentary elections.

The Peterborough Telegraph has contacted Cllr Holdich and Cllr Seaton to find out if they intend to remain in their roles or if they will still stand down in May.

The PT has also contacted a spokesperson for crime commissioner Ray Bisby - who is holding the role in a temporary position following the resignation of Conservative Jason Ablewhite - to see if he will remain in post.

Mr Ablewhite quit after he was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after a complaint was made to Cambridgeshire police about messages he had sent on social media.

He has not been arrested or charged with any offence.

May 7 was also due to see parish council elections in: Bainton & Ashton, Barnack, Hampton, Helpston, Orton Longueville, Orton Waterville, Southorpe, Ufford, Wothorpe & St Martin’s Without.

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