West Midlands mayoral elections postponed for a year

The West Midlands Mayoral election has been postponed because of the coronavirus crisis.

The election, which was to take place in May, was called off on Friday as confirmed cases of the virus and the number of deaths connected to it began to rise sharply.

The election will now be run in May 2021.

A statement from current mayor Andy Street said: “I am pleased that the Government has taken a clear and decisive decision in delaying May’s Mayoral election. The focus of everyone in the West Midlands needs to be on how we tackle COVID-19 and look after the most vulnerable in our society

“There have been more cases in the West Midlands confirmed today, but I am confident we are well placed to deal with this epidemic. I would urge all residents to continue to follow Government advice.”