CRAVEN’S returning officer has criticised the government for pressing ahead with May's local council elections during the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul Shevlin, who is also chief executive of Craven District Council, says it is also possible that Craven’s elections do not take place because of an expected consultation into local government reorganisation.

The government announced last week that local government and police and crime commissioner elections would take place on May 6.

Mr Shevlin said: “Of course, we will do everything we can to ensure that elections are as safe as possible for the public, and for our staff. We will work hard to put additional safety measures in place to make polling stations low risk. We would encourage everyone to consider registering for a postal vote.

“However, it is disappointing that the Government does not appear to have listened to the concerns of returning officers and local councils across the country, who will find it extremely difficult to find the necessary staff and resources to run elections during a pandemic.”

He added: “We believe that the cabinet office is revising some of the requirements around holding elections but we have not yet had sight of any changes and time for preparation is short.

“There is also still uncertainty as to whether Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council elections will go ahead in any case.

“The Government has indicated that they may postpone these local elections due to a forthcoming consultation on local government reorganisation in North Yorkshire and York. If that were the case, we would still have to hold elections for the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.”