Prospective candidates who are considering standing in the forthcoming May local elections are being offered support on how to do so in a COVID secure way.
The 2021 elections in England and Wales will be like none other experienced before, due to the current pandemic. Candidates, agents and campaigners will all have a part to play in ensuring the elections are conducted safely and at this point, councils are planning for the elections to go ahead on Thursday 6 May.
To help, the Local Government Association (LGA) has set up a special webinar which takes place on Tuesday 26 January 2021 at 2pm to 3.30pm. This will help prospective candidates to learn from comparable elections that have taken place in Scotland during the pandemic, by hearing first-hand how candidates and their campaigners responded to the challenges.
There will also be the opportunity to hear from the Electoral Commission (EC) on their latest available guidance and resources, with attendees able to directly raise questions and concerns to help inform the EC’s guidance materials.
Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council, Prof Steven Broomhead MBE, who is the Returning Officer for the elections, said: “This webinar is the perfect opportunity for those who are considering standing in the next elections to get as much information as possible on the process and challenges COVID-19 has created.
“As things stand, the local elections will be proceeding in May. We will of course notify residents and those considering standing if arrangements change.”
Speakers at the virtual Zoom webinar include:
Charlene Hannon, Head of Guidance, Electoral Commission
Martin Carr, Regulation Guidance Manager, Electoral Commission
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman, Local Government Association
All candidates are welcome to attend.
For more information about Becoming a Councillor visit the council’s website.
