The government has abandoned plans to delay local elections in 30 English councils, following a legal challenge by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The reversal, announced on Monday, marks another U-turn for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who defended his record of pragmatic decision-making just hours earlier.
Farage, whose legal appeal prompted the government's change of heart, called for the resignation of Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, posting: “The government tried to cancel democracy. They have been defeated.” The decision delighted opposition parties and infuriated Labour MPs, with one accusing the government of making “crap decisions”.
The delays were originally proposed to simplify local government structures, eliminating smaller district councils where county councils also exist. However, the fact that 21 of the 30 councils applying for delays are Labour-led led to accusations of a political stitch-up. Ministers had defended the delays as necessary to reduce bureaucracy, but government sources admitted they were warned of a likely legal defeat.
The Conservatives and Reform UK now believe they have most to gain from the U-turn, with Reform expecting significant gains in areas such as Basildon, Cannock Chase, Harlow, West Sussex and Thurrock. All major parties are scrambling to find candidates for the newly scheduled elections in May.
