Reform UK is preparing a legal challenge aimed at blocking the cancellation of dozens of local council elections scheduled for May, as ministers consider approving requests from councils to delay voting until 2027. Conservative figures have accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of avoiding voter scrutiny at a time when Labour is facing pressure in national polling.
According to multiple reports, as many as 27 local authorities, most of them Labour-controlled, covering more than 5.2 million people and roughly 3.7 million registered voters, are set to formally request a delay. Ministers had previously written to 63 councils asking whether they wished to postpone elections as part of a broader restructuring process. Councils were given until late Thursday to respond, with the government indicating it would be inclined to approve requests.
Reform UK has said it will seek a judicial review in the High Court if the delays are approved. Speaking to GB News on Wednesday, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf said the party was ready to act. “Reform’s lawyers are coming at them with everything we’ve got,” Yusuf said.
The government’s authority to delay elections stems from provisions in the Local Government Act 2000, which allow ministers to postpone votes under what are described as exceptional circumstances. The government argues that upcoming structural changes to local councils justify using those powers.
Local Government Minister Alison McGovern defended the process last month, saying: “We have listened to councils who’ve told us of the challenges they face reorganising while preparing for resource-intensive elections for areas which may shortly be abolished. Several have submitted requests to postpone elections so it is therefore right we let them have their say so they can focus their time and energy on providing vital services while planning for re-organisation.”
Opposition parties have slammed the proposals. Reform UK and the Conservatives argue that cancelling elections would deny millions of voters a say and allow sitting councillors to remain in office without facing the electorate, reports the Telegraph. Nigel Farage’s party has confirmed it intends to file its legal challenge on Thursday.
According to multiple reports, as many as 27 local authorities, most of them Labour-controlled, covering more than 5.2 million people and roughly 3.7 million registered voters, are set to formally request a delay. Ministers had previously written to 63 councils asking whether they wished to postpone elections as part of a broader restructuring process. Councils were given until late Thursday to respond, with the government indicating it would be inclined to approve requests.
Reform UK has said it will seek a judicial review in the High Court if the delays are approved. Speaking to GB News on Wednesday, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf said the party was ready to act. “Reform’s lawyers are coming at them with everything we’ve got,” Yusuf said.
The government’s authority to delay elections stems from provisions in the Local Government Act 2000, which allow ministers to postpone votes under what are described as exceptional circumstances. The government argues that upcoming structural changes to local councils justify using those powers.
Local Government Minister Alison McGovern defended the process last month, saying: “We have listened to councils who’ve told us of the challenges they face reorganising while preparing for resource-intensive elections for areas which may shortly be abolished. Several have submitted requests to postpone elections so it is therefore right we let them have their say so they can focus their time and energy on providing vital services while planning for re-organisation.”
Opposition parties have slammed the proposals. Reform UK and the Conservatives argue that cancelling elections would deny millions of voters a say and allow sitting councillors to remain in office without facing the electorate, reports the Telegraph. Nigel Farage’s party has confirmed it intends to file its legal challenge on Thursday.
