New government guidance is in force from today (Monday, March 8), when it comes to door-to-door campaigning, ahead of May's local elections.

Leafleting and canvassing by candidates and political activists is now allowed, under the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown.

One Isle of Wight party says it will not be leafleting through doors until March 29, due to voters' anxiety over Covid-19, and has no plans to knock on doors at all.

Other parties had already called for the elections to be postponed - with some saying they are more reliant on meeting Islanders face-to-face, to explain their policies.

In January, the County Press reported mostly support among the Island's political groups for the May 6 election to be postponed, on health and safety grounds.

But while nearly all parties favoured holding off until later this year, Isle of Wight Conservatives said there would be no need to cancel, if the government's confidence in the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine was proved to be correct.

Now, Conservatives on the Island have proposed not to knock on our front doors at all and won't leaflet until the next stage of Boris Johnson's plan, on March 29.

Isle of Wight County Press:

In a statement, Councillor Dave Stewart said: “The Island Conservatives have taken a decision not to resume door-to-door campaign activity whilst the “Stay at Home” restriction remains in place (March 29).

"As I outlined last week, we must all continue to play our part in controlling the spread of the virus. We must not jeopardise our chances of reaching greater freedoms by adjusting our behaviour too early.

"Furthermore, we recognise that many Islanders understandably remain anxious about the virus, and are keen to avoid making or receiving unnecessary contact.

"It is principally because of this that we (the Island Conservatives) have decided not to resume door-to-door campaigning at the present time.

"We consider that holding back from starting such activity will not only help minimise the spread of the virus, but will also serve to reassure older and vulnerable residents at a time of continued concern and cautiousness."

He said that Conservative councillors would be “out and about” in their wards, however, able to chat at a distance, in public places.

Some newer parties told the County Press in January that they would prefer the election to be put back, to allow them to campaign safely and meet potential new voters.