Government Proposes Postponing Local Elections Amid Major Reorganisation, Faces Scrutiny
The UK government has proposed postponing local elections in nine areas from 2025 to 2026 as part of the biggest local government reorganisation in 50 years. This reorganisation includes plans for a mayor in every region and the merging of two-tier authorities by 2028.
Local Government Minister Alison McGovern stated that multiple councils have requested postponements and framed the approach as locally-led, emphasizing that councils are best placed to judge the impact of any delays. Councils are required to demonstrate exceptional reasons for postponements, and ministers will scrutinise all cases. The government has signalled that any postponements would be temporary, lawful, and subject to safeguards.
The process involves consultation with 63 councils, with Hastings and East/South Sussex already requesting delays. More decisions are expected by a 15 January deadline.
However, concerns have been raised about the democratic implications of such delays. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey wrote to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission seeking an investigation into the government's approach, citing the right to free elections under the Human Rights Act. Davey warned that nearly 10 million people could have their democratic right to vote affected if local-election delays proceed.
Reform UK plans to introduce a Private Members’ Bill to force the May elections to go ahead as scheduled. Party representative Zia Yusuf described the proposed delays as dangerous and suggested that many Tory councillors would be illegitimately in post if elections were postponed.
Data from Election-footprint shows that Labour currently leads in 18 of the 63 councils, the Conservatives in 9, and the Liberal Democrats in 7 councils. The Conservatives hold the largest number of seats—610—up for election in May.
The Electoral Commission has warned of a conflict of interest, noting that councils involved in deciding the timing of elections may face competing priorities. The government responded by reiterating that decisions are locally led and based on local circumstances.
