A MOVE to whole council elections every four years from next May was agreed at last night's extraordinary Warrington Borough Council (WBC) meeting at the Town Hall.

The proposed new arrangements for all out elections every four years with no elections in between would replace the current arrangement to elect a third of the council each year for three years before a year without an election.

The decision follows a review and consultation with town and parish councils, as well as residents during February.

A total of 89 responses were received with 59 per cent in favour of whole council elections every four years, 38 per cent in favour of elections by thirds and 3 per cent with no clear preference.

Cheshire East and Cheshire West currently hold whole council elections but the move to whole council elections for WBC will take place in context of the Local Boundary Commission's review which is ongoing.

During last night's meeting, the council also agreed to reaffirm a council size of 58 members, after an earlier decision on January 26, to the commission - one more than the current number of councillors.

The commission is currently gathering information about WBC and its views on a proposed council size, with a decision scheduled to be made by April 21 before consultations on new ward boundaries commence on May 12.

Consultation around the electoral cycle is separate from the commission’s review of the council size and number of wards.

WBC will retain its elections by thirds for this May's elections.