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Starmer abandons plans to delay council elections after legal advice
The UK government reversed the postponement of 30 local elections after a legal challenge by Reform UK, affecting 4.5 million voters and agreeing to pay the claimant's legal costs.
- 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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Braintree & Witham Times+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Councillor responds to government's Essex and UK elections U-turn
It was announced on Monday that the government has abandoned plans to postpone elections across 30 councils this May after receiving advice from…
·Colchester, United Kingdom
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The head of government wanted to postpone the local elections, Farage's party ran a storm and prevailed – not the only problem of Starmer.
·Frankfurt, Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources90
Leaning Left9Leaning Right13Center35Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 16%
C 61%
R 23%
Factuality
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