ONE result of the consultation being launched into creating a unitary authority in Somerset is in local elections.

Voters were due at the polls on May 6 to elect new county councillors, as well as a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Avon and Somerset area.

However, following the launch of a consultation over 'once-in-a-lifetime' proposals to change the structure of local government in the county, the council votes have been postponed.

They will now take place in May 2022.

The poll for a new PCC will still go ahead in May.

An announcement from Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, said: "Rescheduling local elections avoids the possibility of the electorate being asked to vote for councils while at the same time they are being given the opportunity to express their views on the possible abolition of those councils.

"It also avoids members potentially being elected to serve short terms."

In a tweet, the Yeovil Liberal Democrats said: "The Conservatives have been given a free pass to continue running Somerset County Council for another year."

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