A by-election that was due to take place on March 26 will now be postponed.

Copeland Borough Council’s by-election for the Whitehaven Central ward should have taken place on March 26. However, due to the current coronavirus (Covid-19) situation, the council’s returning officer has taken the decision to postpone it.

The council has received permission from the Cabinet Office to postpone.

Councils usually need to give 25 days notice before postponing, but new advice from the Cabinet Office has given the returning officer the ability to delay the by-election.

She has decided that the priority must be to keep people safe.

All the candidates have been notified and notices will be placed at polling stations.

Further information on a rescheduled date will be released when social distancing measures are lifted.