Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has performed another U-turn, scrapping plans to delay local elections in 30 English councils. The decision, announced on Monday, reverses a policy that had drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties and legal action from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The government had proposed postponing elections to allow for the reorganisation of local government structures, including the elimination of smaller district councils. However, the move was condemned as an attempt to avoid democratic accountability, particularly as 21 of the 30 councils are Labour-led.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the government as a 'zombie government' that makes 'U-turn after U-turn'. Farage, whose legal challenge prompted the reversal, called for the resignation of Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, accusing the government of trying to 'cancel democracy'.
Labour MPs were also angered, with one calling it a 'crap decision' and another stating, 'You can’t hide from the electorate.' The decision to abandon the delays was formally taken by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, after officials concluded the government was likely to lose Farage's legal challenge.
Reform UK now sees an opportunity to capitalise on the U-turn, expecting significant gains in areas such as Basildon, Cannock Chase, Harlow, West Sussex, and Thurrock. All major parties are scrambling to find candidates for the elections, which are now set to proceed as originally scheduled in May.
