Millions Face Delayed Local Elections as England’s Council Reorganization Takes Shape
More than four million voters across England will experience delays in their local elections as the goverment proceeds with a important overhaul of council structures. The postponements, impacting 29 council areas, were confirmed on Thursday by local Government Secretary Steve Reed, despite assurances that the majority of polls will proceed as planned in May.
Widespread Disruptions to May Elections
The decision to delay elections affects a diverse range of authorities. City councils in Lincoln, Exeter, Norwich, Peterborough, and Preston will not hold votes on May 7th. Several district councils, including Cannock Chase, Harlow, Welwyn hatfield, and West Lancashire, are also impacted, alongside county councils in East Sussex, West Sussex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. This builds upon a prior decision to postpone elections in nine additional council areas in 2025 – East Sussex, West Sussex, essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk, and surrey – all stemming from the ongoing reorganization of local government.
This restructuring means some voters could face a two-year gap between opportunities to cast their ballots. elections will proceed with a one-year delay for voters in areas like Essex,Hampshire,and the Isle of Wight.
Political Fallout and Accusations of Interference
The move has ignited a political firestorm. Nigel farage, leader of the Reform UK party, vehemently condemned the decision, accusing keir Starmer of “colluding with labor and Tory councils to cancel 30 council elections on 7 May.” He stated, “Millions of people’s right to vote has been taken away. Reform UK are fighting this denial of democracy in the high court.” Reform UK experienced notable success in last May’s local elections, securing over 600 seats and gaining control of 10 councils, including Kent and County Durham, and even overturning a considerable Labour majority in a parliamentary by-election.
Florence Eshalomi, the Labour chair of the committee on housing, communities and local government, also voiced concerns, asserting that “democracy is not an inefficiency that should be cut out” during the reorganization process. She emphasized the tough position councils face, stating, “Our councils should not have to face choosing between frontline services or elections.”
Government Defends Decision, Cites Locally Led Approach
Secretary Reed defended the postponements, stating he had “asked, listened, and acted,” and that the government was focused on “making local government work better for local people.” He clarified that not all elections have been cancelled and that the delays do not exclusively affect Labour-controlled councils. He added that he would consider a further depiction received that morning and report back to Parliament.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aims to eliminate the existing two-tier system of local government – where district and county councils share responsibilities – replacing it with single-tier “unitary” authorities. According to Reed, elections for these new unitary councils are slated for 2027.
Conservative shadow housing secretary James Cleverly accused Reed of attempting a “political gotcha,” suggesting the minister secretly desires to cancel all the elections and is attempting to deflect blame. Reed responded by stating he had “imposed nothing” and sought a “locally led approach.”
The situation remains fluid as the govern
