Cross-party statement on the Donnington by-election

The major political parties in Telford & Wrekin have issued the following joint statement on the Donnington by-election:

We believe the by-elections for Donnington, scheduled to be held on 2 April, should be postponed for an interim period. The absolute priority for our emergency personnel, Council staff, candidates and residents should be focusing on the unprecedented circumstances caused by Covid- 19 alongside their health and safety.

Currently, both Telford & Wrekin Council & HM Government have no legal power to stop an active election. We therefore positively encourage the Government to include necessary powers, in the planned emergency legislation, to suspend all by-elections in line with the suspension of this May's elections during the affected period of time.

In respect of the advice issued by HM Government, as political parties, we will cease to actively politically campaign in Donnington. Instead we will focus our efforts to do all we can to support our community during these unprecedented times.

We encourage all residents of our Borough to continue to follow the Government's advice. We remain united in our support of our community.

Co-Signed:

Alexander Latham
Labour Party, Election Agent

David Ellams
Liberal Democrats, Election Agent for the Wrekin

Emma Thomas
Conservative Party, Election Agent for the Wrekin

END

Notes:

This statement has been agreed by all the major political parties within the Borough as a sign of unity and respect for the situation.

This statement will also be issued to the LGA who are lobbying the Government to include by-elections in the forthcoming emergency legislation.

Councillors and elected representatives, where safe, may continue to operate within their respective wards to support community efforts to protect our most vulnerable. The suspension of activity relates to campaigning within the Donnington ward for the purposes of the Parish & Borough by-elections.