Residents in Greater Manchester are being urgently reminded to check if they have a valid form of ‘Voter ID’ ahead of the upcoming local elections.
Those without Voter ID will need to apply for one before the deadline closes next week.
With the next local elections set to take place in just a few weeks time on Thursday 4 May, Manchester City Council has put out an urgent reminder that there’s one week left for anyone who needs a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) to apply before the deadline closes.
In case you hadn’t heard, under new national rules introduced by the Government and set to come into force for the first time at the upcoming elections next month, anyone heading to the polls will need to take a valid form of photo ‘Voter ID’ along with them, or present a VAC in order to be eligible to cast their vote.
From 4 May, you’ll need photo ID to vote at polling stations in:
🪪 Local elections in England 🪪 UK Parliamentary by-elections 🪪 Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
Forms of photo Voter ID that will be accepted on the day include documents such as, but not limited to, a UK or EU passport, a photocard driving licence, or parking Blue Badge.
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Acceptable photo ID can be used even if it is out of date as long as it’s still considered to be “a good likeness” of the person voting.
The Government has listed full rundown of what are considered eligible forms of photo Voter ID on the Electoral Commission website, but for residents in Greater Manchester and across the country who aren’t in possession of any of those, there’s not long left to apply for VAC.
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Voter ID is required to vote in the upcoming local elections on Thursday 4 May / Credit: gov.uk
“Local elections are a regular occurrence, but this year’s elections are different,” explains Joanne Roney OBE – Returning Officer at Manchester City Council.
“I’d urge anyone who may want to vote to take action now to make sure they’re able to do so.
“If you plan to vote at a polling station, please check now whether you have eligible photo ID, and if not, make sure you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate as the last thing we want is for anyone to miss out because of the new national rules.”
Voter Authority Certificates are free, and must be applied for on the gov.uk website before the deadline closes next week on Tuesday 25 April.
Featured Image – Electoral Commission (via gov.uk)
News
Chester Zoo is hiring a new keeper to look after its ‘birds and bees’
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its ‘birds and bees’, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2026, then surely it doesn’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Keeper to join the Invertebrates team, and for the right candidate, this offers a fantastic opportunity to work as part of the wider Ectotherms department – with a focus on native species conservation.
Chester Zoo is responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most-diverse animal communities, and this is your chance to be a part of what makes it so special.
For this full-time role, the zoo is looking for an ‘enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated’ individual to provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in caring for and managing all the native invertebrate species that live there.
The ideal candidate for this job will have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience, and have ‘outstanding’ observational skills and attention to detail, as well as be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met.
The role of ‘Keeper – Invertebrates’ is 40 hours per week on a 12-month Fixed Term basis, with the working week being 10 days out of 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered, and the salary being £25,500 per annum.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an ‘excellent benefits package’ and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, pension scheme, a staff pass so you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Think you’re fit for the job? The closing date for applications is 22 November 2026, and you can find out more and apply for the role here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
News
Appeal for information after serious bus-cyclist collision on Deansgate
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal for information following a serious road traffic collision on Deansgate, which has left a cyclist in critical condition.
Yesterday afternoon reports were made of a crash between a cyclist and a bus on the busy street in Manchester city centre.
The cyclist, who is a man in his 80s, has suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and remains in hospital in critical condition.
The crash took place on the junction of Bridge Street and Deansgate at around 12.30pm on Monday 2 November.
A large cordon was in place and Deansgate closed for several hours yesterday.
Police officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or may have mobile phone or dashcam footage, to come forward.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
18th April 2023 
