Norwich Green Party launches petition over election delays

Norwich's Green Party group have launched a campaign demanding May's polls are not cancelled this year after City Hall's Labour councillors voted to ask the government to delay them.

The petition, launched over the weekend, has already gained 400 signatures.

It was created amid a fierce row between Labour and political opponents at City Hall, who have accused the party of "running scared" from voters.

City Hall and the War Memorial. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for the Green Party said: "We are calling for the elections to go ahead, for the council not to apply for cancellation and for the Labour government to reject any application for cancellation.

"The people of Norwich and Norfolk deserve a voice.

"Politicians need democratic legitimacy, and the Labour Party needs to be sent a strong message."

Fraggle patiently waits outside the Julian Centre Polling Station in Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Labour cabinet members agreed last week to urge the government to pause May's vote, blaming capacity issues due to plans to abolish district and county councillors to create one or more unitary authorities in Norfolk.

In addition, local government minister Steve Reed said there would be no point running elections for "short-lived zombie councils", with the election winners only serving for about a year before another vote would take place for the new councils.

But critics believe the decision would deny people the chance to have their say on the performance of the Labour Party, with Greens believing they would stand a good chance of beating the party, following a rise in national polls.

The spokesman added: "The council will blame capacity issues as part of the government's reorganisation, but the facts are that the council has a year-round elections team of staff, and funding for scheduled local elections are budgeted in every year.

"The truth? Both Keir Starmer and your local Labour councillors are scared of losing Norwich City Council in May, as the Green Party rise above them in national polls."

Leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski. (Image: James Manning/PA Wire)

Ministers will make a decision on any potential delays imminently.

Amid the election furore, Green Party leader Zack Polanski is also visiting the city for a "Valentine's Day out" with Caroline Topping, the Green Party Norfolk and Suffolk mayoral candidate.

A flyer advertising the Valentine's Day event in Norwich (Image: Green Party)

In a Facebook post, a spokesman said: "We’re all feeling the love for new Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, and now is the time for you to meet him here in Norwich."

The event on February 14 is yet to find a venue, but currently it is planned for the morning at 10.30am.