Council forced to cancel by-election until further notice

A council by-election has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis.

Cheshire East Council has announced it has postponed the planned Crewe West by-elections.

The are currently vacancies in the Crewe West borough council and town council wards following the recent death of councillor Brian Roberts.

A council statement said: “Following Cabinet Office guidance and confirmation by the minister of state for the Cabinet Office, of the government’s intention to pass legislation which will enable the postponement of by-elections, the Returning Officer has determined that the polls due to take place, following the publication of notice of election on 17 March 2020, will now be postponed.

“A new polling day will be held at such time as is provided for in legislation or in further guidance.

“Residents and elected members will understand that the current Covid-19 crisis is creating unprecedented challenges in respect of local government work generally, as well as that which relates to the electoral process.”

The elections in Crewe West will not proceed until further notice and no nomination papers will now be accepted.