Minister Defends Steve Reed Amid Resignation Demands Over Election U-Turn
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock has publicly defended Local Government Secretary Steve Reed against mounting opposition calls for his resignation. This follows the government's controversial decision to reverse plans to postpone 30 local elections originally scheduled for May 2026.
Legal Advice Forces Government Reversal
Speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday morning, Mr Kinnock acknowledged the situation was "not ideal" but emphasized the government operates within the rule of law. He revealed that while initial legal advice had supported postponing the elections, subsequent advice had changed, forcing the government to withdraw its decision.
"We're a Government that works with the rule of law," Mr Kinnock told LBC, addressing the embarrassing reversal that has drawn widespread criticism from political opponents.
Opposition Parties Demand Accountability
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been particularly vocal in demanding Mr Reed's resignation, stating: "I think if a minister tried to deprive nearly five million people of a vote, that he's acted illegally, I think Steve Reed should resign." His party had launched legal action against the initial postponement decision, with a High Court hearing scheduled for Thursday before the government's reversal.
The Conservatives have also joined the criticism, with Shadow Local Government Secretary Sir James Cleverly calling on Mr Reed to stand down if he is "unable or unwilling" to answer serious questions about his "personal propriety as a minister." The Tories have formally requested Mr Reed share the evidence base for the original decision and clarify whether "party political considerations" influenced it.
Kinnock's Strong Defense of Reed
Despite the controversy, Mr Kinnock offered a robust defense of his colleague's performance, telling Sky News: "Steve Reed is doing an excellent job as Secretary of State, pushing through the Pride in Place programme, pushing through renters' reforms, bulldozing all of the bureaucracy and regulations that stops us building things in this country."
He added: "Steve is doing an excellent job as Secretary of State and he will continue to do that and to deliver for the British people."
Financial and Practical Implications
The government's reversal comes with significant financial consequences. The government has agreed to pay Reform UK's legal costs, which Mr Farage estimates will amount to approximately £100,000. Additionally, Mr Reed announced that £63 million will be made available to local authorities undergoing structural changes to support their election preparations.
In a letter to council leaders on Monday, Mr Reed acknowledged the "genuine concerns" voiced by local councils undergoing reorganization and promised his officials would contact affected councils to determine if further practical support would be required.
Affected Elections and Government Statement
The postponed elections would have affected numerous councils across England, including city councils in Lincoln, Exeter, Norwich, Peterborough and Preston, alongside districts such as Cannock Chase, Harlow, Welwyn Hatfield and West Lancashire. County council elections in East Sussex, West Sussex, Norfolk and Suffolk were also initially scheduled for postponement.
An MHCLG spokesperson confirmed: "Following legal advice, the Government has withdrawn its original decision to postpone 30 local elections in May. Providing certainty to councils about their local elections is now the most crucial thing and all local elections will now go ahead in May 2026."
The controversy has highlighted the delicate balance between ambitious local government reforms and democratic processes, with Mr Reed now facing sustained pressure from opposition parties despite his ministerial colleague's strong defense of his record and capabilities.
