Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner has described the introduction of photo ID rules, which came into force at today’s local council elections, as “yet another barrier” for voters.
Talking to Mancunian Matters at the count in Tameside, Greater Manchester, she said: “It’s really important that people feel that they have a right and a say in what happens in their area.
“The concerning thing is that voter ID is yet another barrier to people being able to exercise their democratic right to vote.”
Today’s local election is the first time that voters have been required to bring photo ID to polling stations in order to vote.
Rayner also commented on the close link between her role as an MP and the role of local councillors.
She said: “A majority of an MP’s mailbox is usually to do with what is in effect local government.
“So I always think that people should pay more attention to what’s happening in their local elections.”
Image: Angela Rayner MP at the Tameside count talking to Gerald Cooney, Tameside Labour leader
