The Conservative county councillor for Dawlish, Cllr John Clatworthy, says he disagrees with the Government's decision that the local elections in May should go ahead.

On Friday, the Government confirmed that the May 6 elections would be held as scheduled, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Ministers said the public health response to Covid-19, not least the vaccination programme, means that they can commit to go ahead with the polls with confidence.

They said they are currently working with the Electoral Commission to ensure they were setting out clearly how social distancing and other rules apply specifically to all aspects of the polls, and they will maintain the choice for voters between in person and absent voting (using a postal or proxy vote).

As well as the delayed 2020 local elections in Exeter and Plymouth, and the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, the regularly scheduled 2021 Devon County Council elections will take place, as well as a series of delayed by-elections, and Neighbourhood Plan referendums on May 6.

Cllr Clatworthy said: "I am not seeking re-election having been first elected in 1999, but having said that I would have thought it would have been best if they were postponed until the autumn.

"They delayed an election some time ago when there was Foot and Mouth so it would create a precedent."

Teignbridge council leader also wants elections postponed

The leader of Teignbridge council Alan Connett, who's also the county councillor for Exminster and Haldon, said he had initially been against delaying the elections, believing it was 'democracy denied'.

But he revealed that he changed his mind on hearing that the Government was banning the delivery of campaign leaflets because of the Covid risk.

Cllr Connett said: "If it is not safe to campaign, then why is it safe to run the elections?

"Apparently, it is acceptable to use 'paid for' delivery services such as Royal Mail and private delivery services.

So it's 'safe' to have a pizza leaflet delivered, but not a leaflet on local issues from your candidate.

"The Government is saying voters will need to wear masks and take their own pen or pencil to the polling station, but Returning Officers are already concerned by the safety implications for the elections staff.

"It's not widely known, but the Returning Officer carries personal responsibility for the conduct and safety of elections. That could have very significant implications.

"I am concerned we may see a lower turnout in the elections too. People may still be worried about the risk of infection and decide not to vote 'on the day'.

"The vaccination programme is very good news and it looks as though we are seeing light at the end of this awful tunnel.

"On balance, to ensure free and fair elections, I would support the elections in Devon being postponed, perhaps until September.

"Let's put the priority on getting more people vaccinated, children back to school, people back to work, and businesses going again."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "We have been preparing to hold the elections in May for some time with extra safety measures in place at polling stations and at the vote counts. However there are alternatives in place for those who do not want to cast their vote in person, for example postal votes."

Phil Norrey, the council's chief executive, had previously said: "No doubt that holding elections in May will be a huge challenge and we will be doing our best to support that if we have to do it. It might be safer to have a delay and there was a concern about how feasible it is."