Concerns Raised Over Potential Delays to Local Elections Amid Government Reorganisation
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has warned that nearly 10 million people could lose the right to vote if proposed delays to local elections proceed, urging the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate the issue.
The government has indicated that postponements may be allowed if requested by mid-January, as part of a locally led approach. This comes amid England's biggest local-government reorganisation in 50 years, aimed at having a mayor for every region by 2028 and merging existing two-tier areas.
In February, nine areas were identified that could postpone their 2025 elections to 2026 to prepare for restructuring. Subsequently, ministers asked all 63 affected councils whether they require a delay to May 2026. Hastings and East and West Sussex have already requested delays, while other councils are expected to decide in the new year ahead of the 15 January deadline.
Labour has expressed concerns about councils' capacity to run elections while implementing these major reforms and highlighted anxieties regarding funding elections for councils that are set to be abolished.
Both the Electoral Commission and the EHRC have expressed concern over the situation. Vijay Rangarajan pointed to a potential conflict of interest in councils being allowed to decide the timing of their own elections. Despite these concerns, the government continues to defend its locally led approach.
