Boris Johnson forced to delay snap election by a day because October 14 date clashes with Jewish holiday

BORIS Johnson has been forced to delay the proposed date of his snap election by a day because the original October 14 date clashes with a Jewish holiday.

Furious Jewish leaders demanded a rethink after warning more than 40,000 Orthodox Jews could be left unable to vote because October 14 falls on the festival of Succot.

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The holy day is treated by Orthodox Jews the same as the Sabbath when they cannot work - and driving to the ballot box or even using a pencil to cast their ballot could count as work.

The Board of Deputies fired off an angry letter to the PM saying his decision to pencil in an election for October 14 would disenfranchise Orthodox Jews.

There are around 42,000 Orthodox Jews in the UK.

It is understood No10 has decided to push back the date of the proposed election to October 15.

MARGINAL SEATS AFFECTED

Voters who cannot visit a polling booth on election day can apply for a postal vote but they have to register by a certain period beforehand.

Vice President of the Board of Deputies Amanda Bowman said it had been in contact with the Government to express its “concerns and difficulties that our community would face”.

Jews make up large chunks of constituencies across London, Manchester and Leeds.

Tory-Labour marginal seats such as Finchley and Golders Green, Hendon, Bury South and Ilford North are likely to be the most affected.

Ms Bowman said: “If a General Election were to be held on Monday October 14 this would coincide with the festival of Succot.

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“This means that, due to religious restrictions, observant Jews would not be able to vote in person or participate on the day.

“While we understand that the situation surrounding Brexit means that there is very little flexibility over dates, we have been in touch with the Government to explain the concerns and difficulties that our community would face.

“If a General Election is held on October 14, we will be encouraging everyone affected to apply for a postal vote so that their democratic rights are not affected.”

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