Local elections
On the right track in West Northants
Had the enormity of the task facing the new West Northamptonshire Council been set out as a business continuity exercise it would have seemed a bit far-fetched, says Rebecca Peck – but a bright future lies ahead.
Playing the NOC game
The 2021 local elections have resulted in more councils under no overall control. While uncertainty may be in play, understanding the ground rules of the new arrangements will lessen the chance of instability, says Ed Hammond.
There may be trouble ahead
While the tectonic plates of politics shifted decisively in Shire England after Super Thursday, there are potential problems ahead for the Conservatives, says Paul Wheeler.
Levelling up transformatively
The tension between two very different approaches to levelling up could be 'a significant structural fissure in our political life over the next few years’, says Dr Jonathan Carr-West.
Local elections 2021: Addressing low pay and inequality
Those elected on 6 May must not miss the opportunity to secure better working lives for local people, argues Rachel Kay.
Local elections 2021: The system creaked in the face of the number of polls
There were a variety of problems both ahead of and during polling day, says Peter Stanyon.
Local elections 2021: Ideas for new administrations
Tom Lloyd Goodwin of CLES lays out eight approaches to tackling the range of problems that threaten to overwhelm the in-trays of new local government and devolved administrations.
Local results will supercharge the levelling up ambitions
The Conservative government is now set to enjoy an assured position of dominance and power at local and national level, says chief executive of Localis Jonathan Werran.
Elections like no other
Sheila Oxtoby outlines the scale of the preparations for the operation of polling stations and counts to mitigate risk and ensure openness and transparency during 'elections like no other'.
Is Government brave enough for post-pandemic reform?
There is a blueprint for public sector reform ready for the post-pandemic era, says Heather Jameson. 'It just remains to be seen if the Government can do the right thing – and resist the urge to centralise.'
The case for virtual meetings
Jackie Weaver – star of Handforth Parish Council’s viral meeting – argues the case for stepping out of the dark ages and allowing councils to hold their meetings online.
Gosport in £40k postal ballots gaffe
The council has been forced to send out replacement ballot papers to more than 10,000 postal voters after it was found they were not legally valid.
Problematic predictions
Paul Wheeler looks at how the Super Thursday electoral feast is shaping up. He highlights the key trends that are marking these ‘postal vote elections’.
Admit when you’re wrong
If we know less and less about successes and failures because we allow denial of the truth and a refusal to admit mistakes, then we will be a weaker society for it, says Dan Corry.
Making elections meaningful
We need two things from our electoral system says Dr Jonathan Carr-West – enough stability to maintain public confidence and the possibility of meaningful change. But have we got the balance quite right?
Seize the reins
The County Councils Network's new business plan for recovery and renewal puts forward evidence-based practical proposals to influence the Government's key agendas across six clear priorities, says Simon Edwards.
Mayoral votes to use ‘outdated’ system
The Government plans to switch to the first-past-the-post system to elect mayors.
'No reason' elections turnout should be lower
A government minister has said there is ‘no reason’ May’s elections should be blighted by a low turnout.
The problem with polls
Peter Stanyon outlines the risks and pressures Super Thursday poses to a ‘creaking electoral system’ – including mounting election costs that are arriving at the wrong time for local government.
Employers branded a 'disgrace' over pay delay
Council employers have been branded a ‘disgrace’ after they said they would not respond to a union pay claim until after the May 6 elections.
