In a surprising move, 29 councils across the United Kingdom have requested a delay in their upcoming local elections scheduled for May 2026. The councils, which span various political affiliations, cite a lack of resources and the cost of holding elections as the primary reasons for the requested postponement.
The list of councils seeking a delay includes 21 Labour-led, four Conservative, two Liberal, one Green, and one Independent. This development comes as the Labour party’s plans to scrap two-tier authorities and merge them into single unitary councils by 2028 are being implemented.
The Electoral Commission has expressed disappointment over the timing and substance of the councils’ requests, stating that “scheduled elections should as a rule go ahead as planned, and only be postponed in exceptional circumstances.” The commission also raised concerns about the potential impact on public confidence and the legitimacy of local decision-making.
Tory shadow local government secretary James Cleverly has accused Labour of “running scared of voters” amid their party’s dwindling approval ratings. In contrast, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a change in the law to prevent ministers from simply delaying elections “at the stroke of a pen.”
Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party, has taken a more aggressive stance, launching plans for a judicial review in an attempt to force the elections to go ahead as scheduled. Farage has accused the communities secretary, Steve Reed, of an “abuse of power” and vowed to “use every means possible” to ensure the elections are not delayed.
The councils’ requests for a delay have sparked a heated debate, with concerns raised about the potential impact on democratic processes and the public’s trust in local governance. As the situation unfolds, the government and electoral authorities will need to carefully balance the practical challenges faced by the councils with the importance of upholding the democratic rights of citizens.
