Millions of individuals to see elections delayed till at the very least 2028
The decision has sparked a furious backlash, with the Conservatives, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and local figures accusing Labour of ‘cancelling democracy’
Elections for four newly created mayoralties in England are set to be postponed until 2028, sparking a row over democracy.
The Local Government Secretary confirmed the decision on Thursday, explaining the inaugural mayoral elections for Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex need more time to reorganise local government.
However, the decision has sparked a furious backlash, with the Conservatives, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and local figures have accused Labour of “cancelling democracy”.
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In a written statement, Steve Reed said: “Cheshire and Warrington, and Cumbria have previously requested a delay of their inaugural elections to May 2027, to align with the majority of planned local elections, which could help voter turnout and enable further local savings.
“These areas have both successfully established unitary authorities.
“The Government is also minded to hold the inaugural mayoral elections for Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex in May 2028, with areas completing the local government reorganisation process before mayors take office.
“This is because devolution is strongest when it is built on strong foundations, therefore moving forward we will ensure strong unitary structures are in place before areas take on mayoral devolution.”
Speaking in the Commons, Local government minister Miatta Fahnbulleh also announced a £200 million annual funding pot to be split between six regions across England. The sum will be paid per year for the next 30 years.
Elections in nine council areas – East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey – were already postponed from this year to 2026 amid the reorganisation of local government in England.
Children’s minister Josh MacAlister earlier insisted the decision was because of “technical” changes and that the Government did not want to “rush” plans to reorganise local authorities.
“This is not about delaying democracy in any way and the accusation from opposition parties on it is, frankly, ludicrous,” he told ITV ’s Good Morning Britain.
Liberal Democrat local government spokeswoman Zoe Franklin said: “Democracy delayed is democracy denied. We are fighting to end this blatant stitch-up between Labour and the Conservatives over local elections.”
