The government has postponed elections for new mayors in four English regions until 2028, sparking accusations from opposition parties that it is 'cancelling democracy'. The affected areas are Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton.
Ministers argue the delay is necessary to allow time for local government reorganisation before the mayoralties are established. Local Government Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told MPs the postponement would enable the creation of 'strong, effective unitaries' and strategic authorities before mayors take office.
Critics, including former Labour minister Jim McMahon, accused the government of breaking trust. 'All involved had a reasonable expectation that these elections would go ahead,' he said. The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK also condemned the move, with Reform deputy leader Richard Tice calling it 'dictatorial'.
The government has allocated £200m in funding to the six devolution areas, including £41.5m for Greater Essex and £44.6m for Hampshire and the Solent. Elections in nine council areas were already postponed from 2025 to 2026 amid reorganisation.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said he was considering a judicial review to overturn the decision, while Children's Minister Josh MacAlister defended the delay, noting that local elections will still take place next year in areas not yet reorganised.
