May 2001 Local Election - options for cancellation

The feasibility of cancelling the local elections due on May 3 has been raised in view of the disruption caused in rural areas due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak. This would require primary legislation as s37 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 only allows the Secretary of State to change the date by order if the order is made before February 1 in the year preceding the election. Otherwise, the election date is fixed at the first Thursday in May.