On May 4th, local council elections are taking place across the UK, and there are seats up for grabs across all of Greater Manchester’s 10 metropolitan boroughs.
In six of those boroughs, every seat is up for re-election.
As well as registering to vote, voters will have to bring valid voter ID for the first time.
Here is MM’s summary of the key information you need to know about the upcoming elections.
What does a councillor do:
A councillor is an elected official who decides policy in local authorities.
They have a political mandate from the electorate and usually belong to one of the main parties, though independents do often stand for election.
Though councillors have limited powers, they still decide policy on issues such as education, transport, social services, council tax, housing, roads and more.
Voter ID
Voters have until April 17th to register to vote.
However, valid photo identification is also required for the first time ever.
Valid voter ID includes a passport, drivers’ licence and more. You can find a full list of valid voter ID here.
If you do not have any valid voter ID, you can apply for a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ online.
The Issues
The cost-of living crisis will be a big issue at the election.
Crime will also be on voters’ minds, particularly as Labour double-down on their efforts to be seen as the ‘party of law and order’.
We will see more policy emerge regarding local issues as the election draws near; for example, at their recent election launch the Manchester Green Party called for £1 bus fares.
However, inevitably councillors are limited in their actions by funding they receive from the central government. Precedent also shows that the elections will more than likely be decided by the public opinion of the national parties, not the actions of councillors.
Expectations
With Labour high in the polls, they will be hoping for big victories this May.
The Liberal Democrats, who typically perform well at local elections, are also looking to make gains – particularly from the Conservatives in so-called ‘blue wall’ seats.
Reform and the Greens will also be looking to make headway with Reform looking to win seats from the right and the Greens from the left.
With the Conservative party currently ten to twenty points behind Labour in polls, there will be many in the party who will be looking forward to the upcoming elections.
Most Greater Manchester wards are Labour seats and this is not expected to change after May 4th.
Our coverage
Mancunian Matters will be covering the local elections.
We will be speaking to voters, campaigners and councillors throughout the elections, reporting on key issues.
You can follow across social media for our coverage and check our website for articles, interviews and more right up until polling day and beyond.
