In Rotherham, as in the rest of the country, we have no choice but to accept this decision, and it is right that the safety and health of the public comes first.

In light of that decision, all campaigning activity has been suspended, and we have taken down the manifesto we intended to put to the public this May.

The boundary changes and the reduction in the number of councillors in Rotherham are accordingly postponed until next year.

Your current councillors will continue to represent you in the usual way, and you should contact them if you need advice or support with any council-related issue.

We were keen to get on with our campaign, and to engage with voters about our vision for the future of the Rotherham borough but these are unprecedented circumstances. We hope to be back out campaigning and talking to residents very soon.

For now, please do not put your health or the health of others at risk. We would urge everyone to follow the official advice from the NHS, and to look out for their friends and families over the coming weeks.

Cllr Chris Read
Labour Leader, Rotherham Council