The Government Office for London has confirmed that the 2012 GLA elections will be held in May, just weeks before the capital hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Responding to an enquiry from this site on the possibility of delaying the elections until after the Games officials at GOL have advised that “the Government has no plans to change the date for the 2012 Mayoral and London Assembly elections”.
The letter from officials goes on to state that “the election will be held in May in accordance with existing legislation”.
Under the 1999 Greater London Authority Act elections for the Mayor and Assembly must be held every fourth May after the 2000 elections unless Ministers choose to vary the date.
The decision not to vary the electoral cycle means the capital’s political leaders will be distracted during the crucial last few weeks of preparations by the need to campaign.
It also raises the prospect of the Games becoming an election issue rather than the unifying event the Government have previously promised.
