Validity of elections due to change order wording

“Cancellation of elections to the county of Cumbria, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils.”

On the 17th of March government approved the Structural Change Order for Cumbria.

That change order came into effect on the 18th of March 2022.

The change order will see the current county and 6 district councils abolished and 2 new unitary councils created.

There are supposed to be elections held this May 5th to elect the new shadow council that will take over as the new unitary on the 1st of April 2023.

Well a close look at the now inforce change order approved by Parliament and government throws question over the validity and legality of those elections due to the wording of the change order.

“Cancellation of elections to the county of Cumbria, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils.”

The change order by its wording cancels the ability to hold the May 2022 elections for the new unitary councils of Cumberland and the Westmorland and Furness councils.

Yet another mess of the change order that could have big implications as the elections must be called by the 28th of March at the latest but the change order wording makes the calling if the elections invalid.