2023-05-04 08:50:49
Local elections began in hundreds of communities across England on Thursday. In 230 cities and towns – including Leicester, Bedford and Middlesbrough – citizens were asked to cast their vote. More than 8,000 seats are allocated in the respective city councils. It is the first major test for conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has been in office since last autumn. A clear victory for the opposition Labor Party is expected.
Sunak’s Tories are far behind in the polls after a number of scandals. The next British general election is expected to take place in the course of the coming year – at the latest in early 2025. In addition to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens are also hoping to gain seats.
It is the first time that voters in England have to show a photo ID – such as a driver’s license or passport – at the ballot box. There are no identity cards in Great Britain like in Austria, which is why critics fear that the new regulation will discourage younger voters or members of minorities from voting. The conservative government wants to prevent electoral fraud, the opposition rejects the change.
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