Mr Williams, in his capacity as Electoral Returning Officer, contacted Count Agents with the following information. Under the heading “Count Schedule and Location” it says:

“Due to the obligations of the Returning Officer, it will not be possible to hold local counts for the local elections this year. All counting will take place at East Devon District Council Chamber, Sidmouth on Friday 7 May *and estimated timings are enclosed with this letter.”

It seems his staff for which he had a budget of more than £120,000 doesn’t include a proof reader … or anyone who knows that the elections take place on Thursday 7 May and the count commences on the morning of Friday 8 May 2015 (district).

And what EXACTLY are these new obligations that mean votes are not counted where they were cast?