Why many people will have their votes blocked at the next elections

The suspicion is that the Tories – like the Republicans – are indulging in some helpful voter suppression, writes Rob Merrick

The last possible date for the next general election is 23 January 2025 (PA Wire)

It is widely viewed as a solution to a problem that simply doesn’t exist – and it will leave large numbers of people unable to vote when the country next goes to the polls.

In a little-noticed move, and to the despair of the people who run elections, the starting gun has been fired on a requirement for voters to show photo ID before they cast their ballots.

Ministers have quietly decided the new rules will come into force next May, both for local elections and – potentially more explosively – for any Westminster by-elections that follow.