Electoral Commission Warns Against Postponing England Council Elections Amid Local Government Reforms
The Electoral Commission has issued a warning that postponing England's council elections could damage public confidence in the democratic process. Ministers have indicated they would permit a delay of the May 2024 elections until 2027 if councils formally request it, in light of an ongoing overhaul of local government structures.
This potential postponement stems from the government's plan to reform local authorities, replacing the existing two-tier system with new authorities starting in 2028. As part of this process, 63 councils affected by these reforms have been asked to confirm by 15 January whether they require a delay to their elections.
The Commission emphasized that capacity constraints, often cited by councils, are not a valid justification for postponing well-established election dates. They also highlighted the conflict of interest that arises when councils are allowed to decide on postponement of their own elections.
Labour MP Alison McGovern noted that several councils have requested postponements due to concerns over holding elections in areas where councils will be abolished and over potential taxpayer costs. The government has stated it will listen carefully to councils' views on the matter.
Any further delays in the nine areas that have already postponed elections once—including Suffolk and parts of East Sussex, West Sussex, and Essex—could result in some councillors serving seven years without facing the electorate.
Election officials warned that additional postponements would create unprecedented uncertainty for campaigners and election administrators, with a final decision expected by mid-January.
The political reaction has been mixed: Labour accused the government of denying voters the right to vote; Conservatives defended their 610 seats due for re-election; Reform UK and Liberal Democrats described the moves as a political stitch-up; and minister Kit Malthouse stated he would not block postponements but would carefully consider councils' requests.
