The British government has abandoned a controversial plan to postpone local elections in 30 administrative units in England. The decision, described by media as a spectacular reversal of previously adopted policy, came after legal warnings and a court complaint by the Reform UK party. Initially, the voting was to be moved from May 2026 to 2027 to facilitate the reorganization of local government structures, but ultimately over 4.5 million citizens will vote in the original timeframe.

Withdrawal of controversial plan

The government of Keir Starmer abandoned the idea of postponing elections in 30 local government units after warnings about the illegality of such a move.

Nigel Farage's success

The Reform UK party declared victory after its court complaint forced the ministry to change the original legislative decision.

Logistical challenge for municipalities

Election organizers must now at an express pace prepare polling stations for 4.5 million voters before the May voting deadline.

The British government led by Keir Starmer made a sharp turn in domestic policy, abandoning plans to suspend local elections in 30 districts of England. The original proposal by the Labour Party assumed that votes scheduled for May would be postponed to 2027. Labour argued that an extra year was essential to carry out deep reform of local government structures and streamline local administration. However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government received new legal opinions indicating that such action could be deemed illegal and in violation of democratic standards. A key role in blocking the government's intentions was played by the Reform UK party under the leadership of Nigel Farage, which challenged the government's decision in court. Farage declared his party's success, calling the cabinet's retreat a "victory for democracy." Meanwhile, officials responsible for organizing elections warn of a race against time, as returning to the original schedule requires rapid mobilization of organizational and administrative resources to ensure smooth voting in May for over 4.5 million eligible voters. This situation resembles crises around electoral processes in the UK in the 1920s, when administrative reforms often clashed with the traditional electoral calendar, sparking social resistance and accusations of attempts by the ruling side to manipulate results. Critics point out that this is another case where the Labour Party has retreated from previously announced reforms under external pressure or legal errors. Previous concessions included, among others, heating allowances for pensioners and inheritance taxes for farmers. The current abandonment of the election delay puts the government in a difficult public relations position, giving the opposition arguments about lack of decisiveness and poor legislative preparation. „This is a great victory for democratic forces over the attempt by the Starmer government to deprive citizens of the right to vote.” — Nigel Farage Number of voters: 4.5, Other eligible: 42.0 Status of local elections in 30 districts: : → ; : →

Mentioned People

  • Keir Starmer — Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, criticized for numerous changes in political decisions.
  • Nigel Farage — Leader of the Reform UK party, who led to the court challenge of the government's plans.
  • Steve Reed — Minister for Local Government (Local Government Secretary), who previously approved the plan to postpone elections.