Following reports by national and some local media about plans to cancel elections overturned and with elections in some parts of the country taking place leading to confusion locally amongst voters.
Westmorland and Furness had confirmed today in a statement that there are no scheduled local government elections due to take place in Westmorland and Furness in May of this year.
The next scheduled local government elections for Westmorland and Furness Council are due in May 2027.
This is not as a result of the cancellation of any elections but the normal election cycle set when the new unitary councils in Cumbria were created.
Although current Westmorland and Furness councillors were elected in May 2022 the first year was in a shadow period with the normal four year term of office starting in 2023 when the new council replaced the former county and district councils.
In May 2027 locally voters will vote in three elections, the unitary council elections for Westmorland and Furness Council, Penrith Town Council, and voters will also vote to elect Cumbrias first mayor who will lead the newly created Cumbria combined authority.
Penrith will see an increase in both Westmorland and Furness Councillors and Penrith Town councillors from May 2027 also with an increase for four to five Westmorland and Furness councillors elected to Penrith across the two wards of the unitary council and an increase from 15 to 17 Penrith Town councillors across the six wards of the town council.
Westmorland and Furness Council said “In the lead up to elections occurring in other areas of the country, you may see news reports about local elections or content from political parties encouraging people to vote. This is due to other council areas that are holding their scheduled elections this May”.
To find out more or to see if an election is happening in your area, you can visit the Electoral Commission website.
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