MILLIONS of people across the United Kingdom are preparing to go to the polls in May for local elections – but not those living across the whole of Dorset.

In England alone, 146 councils in major cities will elect 4,000 councillors.

Polls are taking place for all of London's boroughs, while there are thousands of parish councillors due to be voted into positons up and down the country.

There are also votes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Thursday, May 5.

With much focus on Boris Johnson’s involvement in the partygate saga and the pressure people are facing in the cost of living crisis, many are keeping a close eye on if the votes provide a snapshot on the national mood.

Political parties are hoping to convince residents to back their candidates and gain control of local authorities to press ahead with their agendas and visions.

Why are there no votes for BCP and Dorset councils?

It might feel like local government organisation was many, many years ago. In fact, the two unitary councils across Dorset were only formed in 2019.

Residents could be forgiven for thinking more time had elapsed given the wrangles over Brexit and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillors for both BCP and Dorset councils are usually elected to serve for four years, however, the first two terms of Dorset Council will be for five years.

Given the 76 BCP and 82 Dorset seats were all decided for the respective local authorities’ inaugural polling day on May 2, 2019, residents in the BCP area are not due to vote for their councillors again until May 2023 and in Dorset it is not until May 2024.

Bournemouth Echo: It was a busy night at the BIC after polling day in May 2019. Picture: Richard CreaseIt was a busy night at the BIC after polling day in May 2019. Picture: Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

But haven’t some councillors changed?

Since 2019, there have been three councillors elected as a result of by-elections.

For BCP Council this concerned the Canford Heath and Commons ward seats on May 6 last year following the deaths of Peter Parrish and Colin Bungey.

Meanwhile, Dorset Council held a by-election earlier this month following the resignation of Daryl Turner, who departed with a scathing attack on functioning of the local authority.

By-election potential this year...

BCP Council could see its third by-election in the coming months subject to the efforts of a serving councillor to gain election in Manchester.

As reported, Conservative Kinson ward councillor Norman Decent is attempting to win a seat on Manchester City Council in the Brooklands ward.

Councillor Decent has told the Daily Echo if he is successful, he will resign from his BCP Council position immediately.

He added that if he is not elected, he will continue as a BCP Council member until next year’s scheduled elections.

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