They are both known for voting, but not many people would confuse Prime Minister Boris Johnson with talent show judge Simon Cowell. But one member of the public wondered if it was Simon Cowell that was causing such a commotion in London this morning (Thursday, May 5).
Polls have opened for the Local Elections 2022 and Mr Johnson went to cast his vote in Westminster. The PM was showing his party colours with a light blue tie and shirt and spent around two minutes in Methodist Central Hall, waving to reporters on his way in and out.
He then headed off on foot, surrounded by staff and with black Range Rovers dotted along his route home.
One member of the public looked perplexed at the commotion. “Is that Simon Cowell?” he wondered aloud.
Appearing on foot at the polling station at around 7.40am on Thursday morning, Mr Johnson was not with his wife Carrie but was accompanied by his dog Dilyn.
As the Prime Minister walked towards St James’ Park, an excited Dilyn leapt up and licked a photographer attempting to get a shot of the Prime Minister. Mr Johnson was smiling and wished reporters a good morning, but was otherwise tight-lipped about the election.
Polling stations have opened in the 2022 local elections, with council seats in Scotland, Wales, London and many parts of England up for grabs, and Northern Ireland electing its new assembly. Millions of voters are expected to cast ballots to select the local representatives they want to run services in their area.
In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales are also holding elections.
In Northern Ireland, voters are electing 90 members, representing 18 constituencies, to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Polls close at 10pm, with the first batch of results likely to be announced at midnight and the last on the weekend.
