SOUTHEND has been left in an “unprecedented” state of limbo after the Government cancelled council elections in May over Coronavirus fears.

The Prime Minister delayed the May 7 council, mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections until May 2021 as voters would be heading to the polls during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Current deputy mayor Mark Flewitt was due to step up to be the town’s 100th mayor but decided to stand down at the election.

This paved the way for Labour councillor Margaret Borton to take the role.

However, if Mr Flewitt remains a councillor, he may still be able to take the chains of office.

Current Southend mayor, John Lamb, said the council was operating in unprecedented times and added he would be happy to stay on if needed.

He added: “It has to be sorted out and I am not sure what will happen next, there are different options on the table.

“As Mark Flewitt had decided to step down, we had lined up Margaret Borton to be the next mayor, but as elections are cancelled a number of things could happen now.

“I have not seen this sort of thing happen before. I have been asked to stay in the role and am happy to do so if it’s needed.”

Mr Lamb added: “The mayor-making ceremony would have taken place on May 14 and invitations have been sent out.

“We need a decision very soon and I would expect to have one in the next week.”

Ron Woodley, Independent deputy council leader, is also unsure about the next steps.

He said: “It may well be that as Mr Flewitt chose to step down, it would mean he has declined the mayoral role.

It’s going to be a interesting time and will need to be a procedural issue.”

Mr Flewitt, Tory councillor for St Laurence, was expected to be made the 100th and first openly gay mayor later this year, but he blamed “weak senior management” and turmoil in the authority for his decision to go.

n For more on how Covid-19 is affecting south Essex, see page 12.