Local elections 2021 digest — Sun 25 April — One candidate, two wards but 245 miles apart and West Midlands Mayor hustings go virtual
At BehindLocalNews we’re shining a spotlight on the great work going on by local reporters up and down the country ahead of the May 6 elections.
Wales and Scotland go to the polls on parliamentary elections, Mayors are to be elected in many city-regions, and thousands of district and county council seats will be decided.
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.
The Jurgen Klopp of policing?
Local Democracy Reporter at the MK Citizen, David Tooley, has been conducting in-depth interviews with all the candidates for the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner election.
Independent candidate Al Robinson outlined his vision for policing after retiring from the frontline in the Thames Valley after 25 years in the force.
LDR Tooley said he wants to ensure each candidate has the opportunity to put their case and plans to the electorate.
Mr Robinson has put up £5,000 of his own money to seek election for the PCC role.
Read more: New Local Democracy Reporter contract holders confirmed by BBC
Reform UK candidate seeking election in both Cornwall — and 245 miles away — in Buckinghamshire
Bettina Harries is playing her cards in two different council elections.
The Reform UK candidate wants to represent the Wadebridge East and St Minver division of Cornwall Council.
At the same time she’ll be on the ballot paper for the Marlow ward in the Buckinghamshire elections.
Local Democracy Reporter Richard Whitehouse asked the Reform party to explain the retire solicitor’s connection to both Cornwall — and Buckinghamshire.
Read more: Democracy Club and InYourArea partner to provide local elections information to millions
The race to be West Midlands Metro Mayor — live
BirminghamLive provided a virtual platform to candidates in the West Midlands Metro Mayor election.
Parliamentary political editor Jonathan Walker chaired the 90-minute debate featuring candidates Liam Byrne (Labour), Andy Street (Conservative), Jenny Wilkinson (Lib Dem), Steve Caudwell (Greens) and Pete Durnell (Reform UK).
Using the Streamyard technology the debate was live-streamed through the BirminghamLive Facebook page which has more than 500,000 followers.
Each candidate was given 90–seconds each for their opening pitch and then faced questions from BirminghamLive journalists, including politics and people editor, Jayne Haynes, as well as readers, on topics from unemployment to the Commonwealth Games which the city will host.
Previous local election digests:
Elections 2021 digest #1: Police election candidate reported to police
Elections 2021 digest #2: The seat where 13 candidates are standing
Elections 2021 digest #3: Sir Keir Starmer’s pub drama
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 week with more Elections 2021 news!
