The government has sparked a furious backlash by postponing a series of new mayoral elections for two years, a move that analysis suggests has denied Nigel Farage's Reform UK a strong chance of securing its first major elected positions.
Polling Predictions and a Sudden Postponement
According to an analysis of YouGov data, Reform UK was on course to win the inaugural mayoral contests in four newly created combined authorities. The party was projected to secure victories in Hampshire and the Solent, Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton. These votes were originally scheduled for May 2026 as part of a local government reorganisation initiated by the Labour government.
However, ministers have now decided to push these elections back to 2028. The government argues the delay will allow more time for the complex reorganisation of local authorities under its devolution agenda. A Number 10 spokesman stated the plans are "subject to statutory instruments, statutory consultations and working with local authorities," emphasising that the goal is to "put power into the hands of those who know their communities best."
A Wave of Anger and Accusations
The decision has triggered widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with critics accusing Labour of trying to avoid anticipated electoral defeats. The analysis indicated that Labour was on track to finish no better than third in the four postponed elections, and fourth in Hampshire.
Nigel Farage used his GB News programme to launch a scathing attack, labelling the move "outrageous" and "monstrous." He revealed that Reform had just announced its candidates and "fancied our chances in all of them." Farage also highlighted the financial and practical cost, quoting a senior Essex council figure who said millions had already been spent on preparations. "Only dictators cancel elections," a statement from Reform UK declared.
The Conservative Party branded the postponement a "scandal," while even former Labour local government minister Jim McMahon criticised the move, telling the Commons the government had "a moral and a legal obligation to honour its side of the bargain" and warning "we need to be better than this."
Local Disappointment and Mounting Costs
The delay has caused significant frustration at the local level, where extensive work was already underway. Kevin Bentley, the Conservative leader of Essex County Council, expressed "huge disappointment," noting that main parties had selected candidates and campaigning had begun.
In Suffolk, council leader Matthew Hicks said staff had been working at pace to meet the government's original timetable and found it "disappointing that this work could have been phased over a longer period." The trade body for local electoral staff warned that dozens of councils had begun preparations and suggested they should be reimbursed for costs already incurred.
This postponement follows an earlier delay of council elections in nine areas—including East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, and Norfolk—from this year to 2026. Farage argued the new schedule, which could see counties voting in 2026, 2027, and 2028, would leave voters "very weary and very confused."
