Votes are being cast at polling stations across England and Wales today as crucial local elections take place in many regions.
Not only is the makeup of a large number of local councils set to be decided today, but mayoral elections in London, the West Midlands and other regions are taking place.
In 37 areas people will also be voting for their choice of police and crime commissioner.
These elections, matter not just in the communities in which they are taking place, but nationally as they will be seen as a barometer of national opinion on the Conservative Government.
They could also be seen as a test of Labour’s support ahead of a General Election, as the party continues to sit above the Tories in opinion polls.
Coventry University Political Scientist, Professor Matt Qvortrup, is available to offer insight on the following points and can offer an analysis of the results as they come in tomorrow:
- To what extent are these local elections a national referendum on the performance of the Conservative Party?
- Why do these results matter to the Labour Party?
- What impact will voter ID requirements have? Could they potentially benefit a particular party and why?
- Why have Mayoral elections switched from a preferential voting system to a first-past-the-post one and who may this benefit?
- Can the Government expect bad results and to what extent is this a natural for a party that has been in power for a long time?
- Could the results of these elections force the Prime Minister to call a General Election and why?
