ELECTIONS preparations are under way across Hampshire despite rumours that they might be delayed due to the pandemic.

Thousands of people across Hampshire are expected to head to the polls on May 6 to elect councillors and the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

It comes as last year's elections were cancelled due to coronavirus.

New rumours emerged this week suggesting May's elections might be delayed.

But Hampshire councils said they are working on the assumption that elections will be held on May 6.

It comes as the government said elections will go ahead in May but the matter is under review.

Cllr Christopher Hammond, leader at Southampton City Council, said postponing the elections would be "a failure" and it "will no doubt frustrate those who want to express their preference on who represents them at this difficult time".

Mark Heath, returning officer for Southampton’s local council elections and the Police Area Returning Officer for the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Elections, said: ”We continue to work on the assumption that local elections will be held in May and are helping to promote the Electoral Commission’s information on voter registration and the options for voting at these polls.”

John Coughlan, Hampshire County Council’s chief executive and county area returning officer, said: “Our preparations for these elections are well-underway and we must for now, work to the assumption that they will proceed as planned. We are all hopeful that the combination of the current lockdown measures coupled with the progress of the vaccination programme may contribute to safe elections being possible in May. "

He added: "However, with cases of COVID-19 still rising considerably in Hampshire at the current time, and the virus presenting significant ongoing risks to public health, we can’t rule out that measures to control its spread may change as we approach May. We will continue to monitor the picture locally and nationally to ensure planning for the polls in Hampshire is informed by the latest advice."

He said that voters can also choose to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

A spokesperson for the Electoral Commission said that as it stands the elections are going ahead.

Ministers ruled out an all-postal vote election.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “Primary legislation states that the elections will go ahead in May 2021. We continue to work closely with the electoral community and public health bodies to resolve challenges and ensure everyone will be able to cast their vote safely and securely - and in a way of their choosing. Measures are planned to support absent voting at short notice. Guidance will be published in good time ahead of the polls and this matter will be kept under review."