Government Scraps Plan to Postpone 30 Council Elections
Reform UK has successfully challenged the government’s decision to postpone 30 council elections in May 2026. This ruling reinforces the party’s commitment to ensuring democratic participation across the country.
Government U-Turn on Council Elections
Initially, the government planned to delay some elections due to proposed local government reforms. A total of 136 local elections were slated for May 2026. However, 63 of these elections could have requested a postponement linked to local government reorganization.
In January, it was disclosed that 30 elections would face delays. This was met with significant opposition, particularly from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He stated that attempting to hinder the voting rights of 4.6 million individuals was an affront to democracy.
Legal Victory for Reform UK
The court ruled in favor of Reform UK, compelling the government to reverse its decision on the postponed elections. In the wake of this outcome, the government has agreed to cover the party’s legal expenses, which are estimated to exceed £100,000.
Details of the Proposed Reforms
- The government intended to eliminate the two-tier structure of district and county councils.
- New unitary authorities would be established to oversee all council services within a specific area.
With the legal battle resolved, all local elections set for May 2026 will proceed as planned. This development marks a significant victory for electoral integrity and democratic rights in England.
