"Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned councils that they face a "race against time" to prepare for the local elections scheduled for May, amid concerns over administrative readiness and staffing pressures. Speaking at a party briefing on Monday, Starmer urged local authorities to ensure polling stations, voter registration systems, and ballot delivery mechanisms are fully operational. He stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the democratic process, particularly in light of expected higher turnout in key wards."
"The warning comes as several councils have reported challenges including staff shortages, budget constraints, and logistical issues with ballot printing and distribution. Electoral Commission guidance has highlighted these pressures, noting that preparations for the May elections must be finalised by early March to avoid delays. Labour sources said Starmer's comments were intended to underscore the party's commitment to fair and efficient elections, while signalling to local authorities that urgent action is required to mitigate potential disruptions."
"Speaking at a party briefing on Monday, Starmer urged local authorities to ensure polling stations, voter registration systems, and ballot delivery mechanisms are fully operational. He stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the democratic process, particularly in light of expected higher turnout in key wards. "This is a critical moment for local democracy," Starmer said. "Councils must be prepared, organised, and ready to deliver smooth and secure elections. There is very little time left to make sure everything is in place.""
Labour cautioned councils they face a race against time to prepare for May local elections amid administrative readiness and staffing pressures. Councils must ensure polling stations, voter registration systems, and ballot delivery mechanisms are fully operational to maintain confidence in the democratic process, especially with expected higher turnout in key wards. Several councils report staff shortages, budget constraints, and logistical issues with ballot printing and distribution. Electoral Commission guidance requires preparations to be finalised by early March to avoid delays. Opposition parties welcomed calls for preparedness while urging long-term reforms to strengthen election administration and accessibility.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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