Calderdale's chief executive supports election postponement due to coronavirus crisis

The commission’s Chief Executive Bon Posner has written to Minister for the Constitution and Devolution, Chloe Smith, says the day is fast arising when the publication of the notice of election, which sets in motion the formal process of the poll taking place and Government accordingly needs to take a decision very soon as to whether or not it is to happen as planned.

Today (Friday March 13) a second case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the borough and Mr Tuddenham, who is also the council’s Returning Officer at elections, had responded yesterday evening on social media to back support for the commission shown by the Association of Electoral Administrators.

The association said: “We fully support the @ElectoralCommUK in their recommendation that the 7 May polls be postponed. This is uncharted territory and our members have been raising significant concerns about the safe delivery of these elections.”

Mr Tuddenham’s message added some extra concerns he believes should be taken into account.

He tweeted: “Plus the risk of community venues & schools withdrawing use of building. Good to see & hope it is heard & acted upon.”

Mr Posner’s letter, also copied to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, he said the commission was concerned about real risks to the successful delivery of the scheduled election.

It raises the health risks the electoral process might bring including electors who would not have the opportunity to vote or would feel inclined to vote because of coronavirus, with increased proxy votes putting more strain on the administrative parts of the process where staffing levels could all be affected by COVID-19’s spread.

During an election it was also vital that voters were able to hear the positions of candidates, parties and campaigners before they cast their vote but many forms of campaigning may not be possible, leaving insufficient space for the arguments to be heard.

Should by-elections arise in the near future similar questions would apply, said Mr Posner.