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Starmer abandons plans to delay council elections after legal advice
The government reversed plans to delay elections in 30 English councils after legal advice indicated likely court defeat; elections will proceed in May 2026 affecting over 4.5 million voters.
- On Monday, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced he withdrew the decision to postpone council elections in 30 local councils, confirming all will go ahead in May 2026 and letters were sent to councils.
- After receiving fresh legal advice from the Government Legal Department indicating the decision was likely to be unlawful, Reform UK launched a High Court challenge, prompting reconsideration by Matthew Pennycook.
- Practical steps include the government writing to all 30 councils to confirm elections will go ahead in May and providing a £63 million fund for the 21 local areas undergoing reorganisation.
- The U-turn affects more than 4.5 million voters by restoring their vote and prevents councillors from serving seven-year terms, while polling expects Labour government led by Sir Keir Starmer to lose seats to Reform UK.
- Councils must now prepare for elections ahead of May 7, a High Court hearing scheduled for Thursday is being reconsidered, and this reversal marks the Labour government U-turn count at 14.
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32 Articles
32 Articles
Critics said the measure undermined democracy and pressured the government to maintain the original date in May.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources32
Leaning Left7Leaning Right9Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution41% Right
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Right
41% Right
L 32%
C 27%
R 41%
Factuality
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