Colchester councillors worried post chaos affects election

Last week an ex-employee from Colchester spoke about the inner workings of Royal Mail after countless residents kept complaining about a lack of deliveries. 

Some parts of the city were left with only one delivery a week since last year, with some missing important hospital appointments as a result. 

Following the report, councillors have voiced their concerns the delays could impact the election. 

Councillor Lee Scordis said: “We have been really concerned about the postal deliveries in general. It is worrying to see that did not receive the democratic mandate. 

“My question is, will taxpayers get their money back?” 

According to Mr Scordis, only a few residents in Shurb End and Christchurch received the polling cards yet, despite them being due since the last week of March. 

Castle Ward councillor Steph Nissen has also been approached by concerned residents, who have not received polling cards. 

She said: “With feedback coming from residents that they’ve not received their polling cards yet, and delays on NHS letters etc, people are understandably concerned.  

“It’s really important that two things happen. Firstly, voters need to be reassured by the council that they can still vote - with their ID, on May 2.  

“Secondly, Royal Mail must confirm to voters that election material WILL be delivered in a timely manner, and they will dedicate resources to ensuring that elections are not impacted by postal delays.  

“Postal votes are due to be delivered soon, and electors want reassurance that their completed votes will be delivered to the council in time for their votes to count.” 

The Royal Mail whistleblower claimed that the issues with postal deliveries stem from the company’s “poor” decision making. 

Royal Mail has disputed the allegations made. 

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “It has come to our attention that there have been delays in the delivery of some polling cards in certain areas of Colchester.

"We understand the importance of these cards in informing residents about upcoming elections. We are in communication with Royal Mail to address this matter promptly.

“We want to reassure residents that polling cards serve as notices of the election and are not mandatory for voting.

"Lack of a polling card will not in any way invalidate the voting process. We encourage all eligible voters to participate in the upcoming elections, regardless of the receipt of their polling card.

“For any concerns or inquiries regarding polling cards, residents are welcome to contact our Elections Team at elections@colchester.gov.uk.”

Royal Mail said most polling cards should have been delivered but some were not within the expected timeframe.