The Labour government has confirmed that local elections due to take place in May will be postponed in 29 council areas across England as part of plans to reorganise local government.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told MPs that legislation would be brought forward to delay the elections, following consultations with councils affected by the proposed changes. He said ministers had reviewed more than 350 submissions from councils and other stakeholders before reaching the decision.
Reed explained that the postponements were linked to plans to merge two-tier council systems into single unitary authorities, arguing that delays would ease pressure on councils undergoing reorganisation. A full list of the 29 affected areas has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
He added that one additional request to postpone an election had been received and would be considered separately. Aside from the 29 councils, all other local elections will proceed as planned.
Out of 136 local elections scheduled for May, Reed said the vast majority would still go ahead. He rejected claims that the government was cancelling elections wholesale or targeting councils run by a particular part
Councillors in areas where elections are postponed will have their terms temporarily extended. Reed said elections for the new unitary councils would take place in 2027 once reorganisation plans are finalised.
The move has drawn criticism from some MPs, who have described the delays as disappointing and embarrassing. However, ministers have defended the decision, saying it is necessary to ensure smoother reforms and improve the effectiveness of local government for residents.
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