Government ‘urgently’ investigating general election postal ballot delays

The government is “urgently” investigating why some people have not yet received their postal ballots ahead of Thursday’s election.

Conservative minister Maria Caulfield told Sky News she is aware of “a number of” constituencies where people have not yet received their postal votes.

There are reports of thousands of postal ballots not being delivered in time, with postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake calling on Royal Mail “to do all they can” to make sure postal votes get to people in time.

The Telegraph reported more than 90 constituencies have raised concerns about ballots failing to arrive.

Ms Caulfield told Sky News: “Kevin Hollinrake is investigating this urgently.

“I know there’s extra resources going into this to try and do a sweep of all the sorting offices and make sure they’re out there.”

Ms Caulfield added that those who will be here on polling day this Thursday and have received a postal vote late can take them to their local polling station.

However, she said it is a concern for those who are away as the deadline to apply for a proxy vote, where someone else can hand your ballot in for you, has passed.

There are specific concerns for voters in Scotland as many schools broke up for the summer holidays on Friday so many families have left the country.