The Labour Party have halted the process for the next Mayor of Liverpool.
Residents are set to vote in Joe Anderson’s successor on May 6, with an all-female candidate list currently set to contest the directly-elected position.
Ballots were due to be sent out on Wednesday ahead of a one-member-one-vote closing at midday on March 5, just over two months before election day.
But Labour have confirmed that the process is facing a short delay due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ as all three of its nominees will be reinterviewed.
Acting mayor Wendy Simon, Lord Mayor Anna Rothery and Ann O’Byrne will again be vetted by party chiefs on Friday ahead of the papers being posted.
“The ballot has been paused for a short period to allow time for the candidates to be reinterviewed,” said a Labour spokesperson.
“Ballot papers will then be issued.”
Anderson stepped aside from his post on December 10 following his arrest in connection with a police investigation into building contracts within the city.
He remains administratively suspended by Labour pending the outcome of the enquiry, which saw the 63-year-old rebailed late last year by detectives.