Elections for the brand new mayoralties of Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Sussex and Brighton, and Norfolk and Suffolk shall be pushed again till 2028.
The choice, first revealed by The Solar, is because of be introduced by ministers on Thursday.
That is the second time elections are being delayed in these areas. Native elections due in Might 2025 had been delayed by then communities secretary Angela Rayner for a yr as a way to convert them into mixed authorities led by mayors.
Nonetheless, it’s understood that these councils want extra time to finish their reorganisation.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
4:53
Will Tories and Reform unite?
Reform UK’s head of coverage Zia Yusuf stated: “This is a blatant attempt to stop big Reform wins next May.
“It is an act of a determined authorities who’re clinging onto energy by any means needed.
“Labour has proven time and time again that they’re not beyond denying democracy to millions of people in order to maintain their cosy status quo.”
Picture:
Pic: PA
The Tories’ shadow housing secretary James Cleverly stated it was a “scandalous attempt to subvert democracy by a Labour government whose credibility and popularity are already in tatters”.
“The Conservatives firmly oppose this decision to delay the mayoral elections, especially when candidates have been selected and campaigning is well under way,” he added.
“Democracy is being denied yet again after the council elections cancelled by Labour this year.
“There isn’t a credible justification for this transfer. The Labour authorities should reverse it instantly.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
3:32
Starmer denies deceptive voters
The reorganisation is a part of Labour’s manifesto dedication to widen devolution, which it argues will enhance native economies.
The federal government desires to abolish the two-tier system of county and district councils and merge them collectively to create bigger unitary authorities. It additionally desires extra areas to have regional mayors, like Higher Manchester’s Andy Burnham.
Reform UK loved success within the native elections in Might, profitable greater than 600 seats and taking management of 10 councils stretching from Kent to County Durham. The occasion additionally toppled a 14,000-strong Labour majority in a parliamentary by-election.
The Liberal Democrats’ native authorities spokesperson Zoe Franklin referred to as the postponed elections “a disgrace”.
“Democracy delayed is democracy denied,” she added. “We are fighting to end this blatant stitch up between Labour and the Conservatives over local elections.”
