Pothole Map Shames Labour Councils as Worst Performers
A new government map reveals Labour-run councils are failing worst on pothole repairs. See the traffic light ratings ahead of May's crucial local elections.
Category : Search result: 2026 local elections
Farage Rally Defends Leader Against Historic Racism Allegations
Nigel Farage's Reform UK rally in London saw supporters dismiss historic racism claims as a 'smear campaign'. Exclusive report on the event's merchandise and political defence. Read more.
Starmer's Cabinet plots poll comeback with cost of living focus
Keir Starmer rallies his first Cabinet of 2026, focusing on the cost of living crisis. Chief of staff Morgan McSweeney cites international political revivals as a blueprint for Labour's recovery.
Farage: We'll fight Labour's Brexit reset 'all the way'
Nigel Farage pledges to battle Keir Starmer's EU realignment, warning it surrenders sovereignty. Reform UK also readies a court challenge over delayed local elections. Read the full story.
Reform's flagship council plots 4% council tax rise
Kent County Council, won by Reform UK in 2025, proposes a 3.99% council tax increase despite election pledges to cut taxes. Opposition brands it a 'total betrayal'. Read the full story.
Reform's flagship council plots 4% council tax rise
Kent County Council, won by Reform UK in 2025, plans a 3.99% council tax increase despite election pledges to cut taxes. Opposition brands it a 'total betrayal'. Read the full story.
Reform UK's flagship council plans 4% council tax hike
Kent County Council, Reform UK's flagship authority, proposes a 3.99% council tax rise, breaking election promises. Average Band D households face a £67.47 annual increase. Read the full story.
Starmer pledges to remain Labour leader in 2026
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists he will still be in No 10 by 2027, despite backbench discontent, as he launches a new pitch to voters focused on easing the cost of living crisis.
2026 Preview: Top Music, TV & Cinema Releases
From Lily Allen's tour to Catherine Zeta-Jones' TV comeback and Margot Robbie in Wuthering Heights, discover the must-see entertainment of 2026.
2026 TV Guide: Must-See Shows from Rivals to Buffy
Your complete guide to unmissable television in 2026, from the return of Disney's steamy 'Rivals' and Richard Gadd's 'Half Man' to a new 'Buffy' series and major drama premieres.
2026 Culture Guide: Top Picks for Art, Film & Theatre
Plan your 2026 with The Independent's guide to the year's biggest cultural events, from Tracey Emin at Tate Modern to Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' and a new 'Pride & Prejudice'.
Pakistan health worker defies family to run for local office
Naushaba Roonjho was told to stop studying at 17. Now, after years of polio vaccination and health work, she is campaigning for political office in Pakistan's Sindh province to champion girls' education and clean water.
Health worker Naushaba Roonjho runs for office in Pakistan
After years of community work in family planning and polio vaccination, Naushaba Roonjho is campaigning for local elections in Pakistan's Sindh province, determined to improve girls' education and basic services.
Welsh Communities Turn from Labour to Reform and Plaid
Exclusive report from the South Wales valleys where economic despair is fuelling a historic political shift. Labour faces a catastrophic defeat in May's Senedd elections as voters turn to Reform UK and Plaid Cymru. Read the full analysis.
2026's Major Sporting Events: Your Complete Guide
A packed 2026 sporting calendar awaits, featuring a football World Cup, Winter Olympics, Wimbledon, and historic Test matches. Discover all the key dates and storylines.
2026 Sporting Calendar: Major Events & Dates
Your complete guide to the 2026 sporting year, from the Australian Open and Six Nations to the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon. Discover key dates, defending champions, and major storylines.
2026 Bank Holidays: Full List and Date Changes
Your complete guide to the 2026 bank holidays for England and Wales. Discover the eight dates, including a moved Boxing Day and early Easter. Plan your year now.
Award-winning psychic reveals three 2026 predictions
Award-winning psychic Jill M. Jackson shares three unsettling predictions for 2026, warning of economic instability, natural disasters, and global conflict. Read her full forecast and advice.
2026 Predictions: Royal Baby, Financial Crash & AI
Old Moore's Almanac forecasts a surprise royal pregnancy, a major financial crash, and AI mishaps for 2026. Explore the full list of startling predictions for the year ahead.
5 Characters in Every UK Community Facebook Group
From the Lost Cat Crusader to the Planning Permission Protester, we explore the quintessential personalities that define Britain's local Facebook groups. Discover who's in your neighbourhood feed.
Labour optimistic for 2026 as parties target local elections
Labour chair Anna Turley expresses confidence for 2026 despite polling dips, as all Westminster parties prioritise May's crucial local and devolved elections. Read the full analysis.
2026 Cosmic Calendar: Eclipses, Supermoons, and Missions
Discover the 2026 cosmic calendar: a total solar eclipse over the Arctic, robotic moon landings, supermoons, and the fading interstellar comet 3I/Atlas. Your guide to next year's celestial wonders.
Labour Could Deny Millions Vote by Cancelling Elections
A polling expert warns Labour may delay local elections fearing a wipeout, with Reform UK poised to gain. Millions in Essex, Hampshire, and elsewhere could be affected. Read the full analysis.
May 2026 Vote Could Decide Starmer's Future, Expert Warns
A polling expert warns Labour faces heavy losses in May 2026 elections, potentially deciding Keir Starmer's future. Badenoch's position may be shored up by London gains.
Lib Dems: Election delay breaches voters' rights
The Liberal Democrats accuse Labour of unlawfully postponing local elections, breaching voters' rights, but cannot confirm their own councils will hold votes. Read the full story.
Local elections delayed to 2027, sparking democratic concerns
The government is postponing May's local elections, with some councils unchanged for seven years. Critics call it a democratic outrage that could hinder Reform UK's momentum. Read the full analysis.
Local Elections Could Be Delayed in 63 Council Areas
The government is consulting 63 council areas on postponing local elections until 2027, citing reorganisation pressures. Opposition accuses Labour of being 'scared of voters'. Read the full story.
Labour accused of 'running scared' over election delays
Keir Starmer faces accusations of undermining democracy as Labour invites 63 councils to postpone local elections. Critics say the move, affecting 10 million voters, is a political ploy to limit losses. Read the full story.
Millions face potential local election delays until 2027
Up to 63 council areas in England may postpone May 2026 local elections to 2027 amid a government reorganisation of town halls. See the full list of affected areas.
Farage: UK a 'Banana Republic' Over Election Delays
Nigel Farage accuses Labour and Tory councils of 'colluding' to postpone local elections for millions until 2027. Read the full story on the democratic row.
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