By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
While thousands of people across the country will cast their vote in local elections this week, residents in Southampton will be sitting this one out.
Photo: LDRS
There are 23 council elections taking place in England on Thursday, May 1, as well as six mayoral elections for new regional authorities and various by-elections.
Last year, all Southampton residents had the opportunity to take part in three democratic processes.
On May 2, 2024, a seat in each of the city council’s 17 wards was up for grabs, with the Labour majority ending the election with one fewer seat than before polling day.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both increased their respective group totals by one.
On the same day, residents could vote for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner. Conservative candidate Donna Jones was successful in securing a second term in office.
Two months later, the general election took place with former council leader Satvir Kaur winning the Southampton Test constituency to succeed Labour colleague Alan Whitehead, while Darren Paffey claimed Southampton Itchen, flipping the constituency to Labour after nine years with Conservative MP Royston Smith.
In October, residents in Shirley were involved in a by-election after Ms Kaur stepped down as a councillor to focus on her work as an MP.
This led to a Liberal Democrat gain with firefighter George Percival securing the most votes.
Why are there no Southampton City Council elections on May 1?
No Southampton City Council elections have been suspended this year.
The government approved requests to delay elections in nine areas, including Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council, for a year.
This was due to them being part of the devolution priority programme to create a new strategic authority in 2026.
Local authorities are working on proposals for a mayoral combined county authority, which see an elected mayor have responsibility for areas like transport and strategic planning, with funding transferred down from Westminster.
However Southampton City Council was never due to have elections this year as there is always a 'gap' in the timetable every fourth year, including 2025.
The next city council elections are scheduled for May 2026.
• This piece was edited to reflect the fact that there is always a gap in Southampton City Council elections every fourth year.
This article is from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Some alterations and additions may have been made by our site - a partner in the BBC's Local News Partnerships scheme. BBC-funded LDRS journalists cover local authorities and public service organisations, with content shared by all partners.