Elections 2021 Sunday 4 April digest: Norfolk police commissioner candidate faces sexism claims, marking long-serving councillors and the care home to be used as a polling station
Most parts of the UK are preparing to go to the polls in May for the first time since December 2019.
Last year’s local elections were scrapped due to coronavirus and lockdown, but this year’s 2021 elections see a bumper set of district councils, county councils, Wales and Scottish Parliaments, police and crime commissioners, Metro Mayors and parish councils being voted for.
Local media up and down the country are preparing for a big night (and day!) on the 6 May, with many councils set to count on the Friday rather than the traditional overnight count.
On BehindLocalNews we’re going to be rounding up some of the great work being done by local journalists across print, digital, TV, radio, social media, hyperlocals and wherever else you find your local coverage of the elections.
Norfolk’s stormy PCC election (and it’s only just getting started!)
An independent candidate in Norfolk has already been making headlines in the police and crime commissioner election for the area.
Local democracy reporter George Thompson — based at the Eastern Daily Press — has been covering how David Moreland has been challenged over ‘sexist and racist’ comments made.
He has been reported to the police — and said he will not step aside in the race for office.
All of the candidates in the PCC election for Norfolk have been invited to give their comments on the Sarah Everard vigil and scenes which took place.
The big little names saying goodbye to local politics
Staying in East Anglia and Public affairs correspondent for the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News, Dan Grimmer, spotted the stepping down of a well-known councillor.
It was a moment when human interest and local politics collide, as Dan said: “The one I’ve attached isn’t going to win any awards anytime soon, but I thought it does demonstrate how not all local media election coverage is about one party arguing with another over which policies are best.
“Sometimes, it’s simply about us acknowledging the work of long-serving councillors, who have been part of our communities for decades, who aren’t standing again.”
And a good reminder to check the confirmed candidate lists as much for the names who aren’t there as much as the ones who are listed!
And in Cambridgeshire, Ben Hatton spoke to the longest-serving councillor on Cambridge City Council.
John Hipkin, who is 86 this month, has represented the Castle ward in the city since 1992.
Mr Hipkin told CambridgeshireLive: “In the years that I have served on both councils I have made many friends and colleagues, some of whom are sadly no longer with us.
“I remember them all with affection and respect. I have found my life as a councillor deeply fulfilling and rewarding and I bow out with a mixture of pride and regret.
“I would like to thank the many neighbours and ward members who have helped me in my campaigns. The same goes for those Castle residents who have loyally supported me with their votes over many years.”
Care home polling stations?
As well as the people who make politics, there’s also logistical decisions to be made by councils too.
Chief Cheltenham reporter for GloucestershireLive, Robin Jenkins, revealed how a retirement complex is due to be used as a polling station in Cheltenham.
The decision has been branded ‘crazy’ by residents who are concerned about Covid-19 repercussions from having an influx of visitors to Robert Harvey House on 6 May.
Leaflet rows — from delivery rules to council tax claims
In North Wales and also in Yorkshire, there’s a lot of focus on election leaflets.
Jez Hemming at North Wales Live reported on how candidates are being told to hire a professional third party to deliver all leaflets on the campaign trail due to Covid-19 restrictions. But police say they are not aware of this rule.
And in Kirklees, Local democracy reporter Tony Earnshaw, reported on a right row about council tax claims in the Colne Valley Conservatives election leaflet.
Green, Lib Dems and Independent candidates have all taken issue with the Tories who have claimed the three parties supported a 4.9% increase in council tax. Claims, counter-claims and counter-counter-claims in the Holme Valley.
Spotted a good local election story? Have some reporting that your newsroom wants to shout about? Please drop an email to ed.walker@reachplc.com to be included in the Local Elections round-up. The story can be about any election taking place on May 6. We’ll be back next Sunday with more Elections 2021 news!
