Labour Councils Dodge Voters: Reform UK Heads to Court

Government Greenlights Election Postponements Amid Sweeping Local Government Overhaul

In a significant shake up to England’s local governance landscape, the government has approved requests from 29 councils to delay their May 2026 elections, allowing them to concentrate on a major reorganisation programme aimed at dismantling the inefficient two tier system. This reform, described by officials as a once in a generation opportunity, seeks to consolidate overlapping authorities, reduce duplication, and redirect savings towards frontline services such as elderly care, road repairs, and economic development. Affecting around one in three residents currently served by dual councils with separate chief executives, councillors, and finance teams, the changes promise streamlined decision making in critical areas like housing and planning.

The decision, announced on January 22, 2026, follows submissions from councils arguing that holding elections amid the reorganisation would strain already stretched resources, particularly with ongoing staff shortages and recruitment difficulties. Legislation will now be introduced to extend the terms of existing councillors, pushing new polls to May 2027 and the full rollout of unitary councils to April 2028. Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed emphasized the benefits, stating: “This is a once in a generation reform that will transform local government for the better. Cutting through two tier bureaucracy means faster decisions on housing, simpler access to services, and more money going to potholes, tackling crime and caring for older people instead of being lost to duplication.”

Among the councils granted flexibility is Cannock Chase District Council in Staffordshire, where leader Councillor Steve Thornley has been at the forefront of the push for postponement. In a recent council meeting, Thornley outlined the rationale, citing overwhelming workloads for officers and persistent hiring challenges as key factors. He clarified that while he lacks direct authority to cancel elections, his formal request to Local Government Minister Alison McGovern highlighted how proceeding with the vote could undermine both the democratic process and the transition to a new authority. “If we were to proceed with the elections under the current timetable, this would present several challenges that risk undermining both the democratic process and the smooth transition to a new authority,” Thornley stated in a letter to councillors. “The additional work required for LGR will increase demands across departments, and given the current pressures, a deferment of the May 2026 elections is essential.”

This move echoes actions by the previous government, which deferred elections between 2019 and 2022 to facilitate similar restructurings. However, the announcement has sparked fierce backlash, with critics accusing Labour led councils of evading accountability. In Staffordshire alone, Cannock Chase joins Tamworth Borough Council in opting for delays, while others like Staffordshire County Council proceed as planned. Former MP Jonathan Gullis branded the decisions as “tinpot dictator” tactics, warning that Labour run authorities are “running scared of the voters.”

Reform UK has emerged as a vocal opponent, vowing to challenge the postponements in court. Party figure Zia Yusuf, appearing on GB News, accused the Labour government of dodging voters and likened the delays to actions of dictators. “Only dictators cancel elections,” Yusuf declared, emphasizing that Reform’s lawyers are prepared for a High Court battle on February 19 and 20, confident in forcing the elections to proceed. The party aims to mount a judicial review to compel the government to override the councils’ requests, arguing that the moves rob millions of their democratic rights. Yusuf further told the BBC that thousands of councillors are “illegitimately squatting in their posts,” denying voters the chance to oust them.

The controversy extends beyond Reform, with the Liberal Democrats also raising alarms. Leader Sir Ed Davey has written to human rights watchdogs, claiming nearly 10 million people could have their voting rights “ripped away.” On social media, local voices in Cannock Chase and beyond echo these sentiments, with posts decrying the three year restructure timeline as insufficient justification for skipping a four year electoral cycle. One X user argued, “There is no reason why these elections should not go ahead. This restructure is cobblers.” Another from Reform UK’s Chorley branch claimed Labour fears their rising poll numbers, stripping democratic rights from 29 areas covering about 4.5 million votes.

Supporters of the delays counter that reorganised councils would see newly elected members serve only briefly before another restructure, wasting significant funds better spent on services. Uncertainty lingers over the legal challenges, with Reform’s push potentially reshaping the timeline for affected areas. As the High Court dates approach, residents in Cannock Chase and similar districts await clarity on whether their voices will be heard this May or deferred amid the broader quest for efficient local governance.