Downing Street has forcefully rejected accusations that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is acting like a "dictator" following a controversial government decision to postpone four mayoral elections.
Postponement Sparks 'Cancelling Democracy' Accusations
The government confirmed on Thursday that it is "minded" to delay inaugural mayoral votes for four new combined authorities until 2028. The elections, for Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex, were originally scheduled for next year.
Critics from opposition parties and within the Labour Party itself have launched a fierce backlash. Reform UK stated that "only dictators cancel elections," while the Conservatives branded the move a "scandal." Former Labour minister Jim McMahon warned his own government: "We need to be better than this."
Government Defends Move as Necessary for Devolution
A Number 10 spokesman insisted the three-year delay was essential for the government's devolution agenda. The postponement would allow more time for the complex reorganisation of local authorities, which involves replacing two-tier county and district councils with single unitary bodies.
"It's important that these mayors have the structures and the organisations in order to be able to hit the ground running from day one," the spokesman said. He emphasised the plans were "subject to statutory instruments, statutory consultations and working with local authorities."
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed is leading the policy, which was first announced in February. The delay follows the earlier postponement of council elections in nine areas from 2025 to 2026, also due to local government reorganisation.
Local Leaders Express 'Huge Disappointment' and Incurred Costs
The announcement has been met with frustration in the affected regions. Kevin Bentley, the Conservative leader of Essex County Council, said there was "huge disappointment" given that main parties had already selected candidates and campaigning had begun.
The Association of Electoral Administrators warned that dozens of councils had already spent time and money preparing for the 2026 votes. Its chief executive, Peter Stanyon, called for guidance on reimbursing these costs and clarity over the future election timetable.
In the Commons, Reform leader Nigel Farage, MP for Clacton, criticised the entire reorganisation as a "dog's dinner," claiming the public does not understand what is happening. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch vowed to oppose the delay "every step of the way," calling democracy "not optional."
Meanwhile, the County Councils Network described the delay as "bitterly disappointing" and pledged to seek immediate assurances from ministers on how the devolution process will now proceed.
