Both authorities will hold special meetings on Wednesday, where their political bosses will recommend that the government postpone the polls in their boroughs because of devolution-related local government reorganisation (LGR).
However, some political opponents have accused the ruling groups of running from residents’ potentially changed views by avoiding a vote.
Devolution will see the existing electoral make-up of the county abolished and replaced with larger all-purpose authorities, intended to cover areas of 500,000 people.
Both Blackburn with Darwen leader Cllr Phil Riley and Hyndburn boss Cllr Munsif Dad have backed the creation of a Pennine Lancashire Unitary Authority, which would include Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, in reports to senior colleagues.
This would be part of a three all-purpose council solution for Lancashire after devolution.
Burnley and Pendle Councils want to see a smaller authority including just themselves and Rossendale, but the latter is happy with the Pennine Lancashire proposal.
In a report to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s ruling executive, Cllr Riley says: “The process of LGR in Lancashire is likely to continue into 2028 and beyond.
“Based on the current timeline provided by the government, it is expected there will be all-out elections to new shadow authorities in 2027, which will then transition to new councils in 2028.
“Therefore, in order to maintain stability, maximise resources and reduce expenditure during this process, it is proposed that the government is asked to postpone the 2026 local elections currently due to take place in Blackburn with Darwen and extend the term of office for affected councillors.
“It is recognised that postponing a local election is a significant decision which should not be undertaken lightly.
“Postponing the elections in May 2026, would provide political stability during the LGR period.
“It is anticipated that if the government approves the request for a postponement to the 2026 local elections, there would be an approximate saving of £200,000.
“We understand a number of district councils in Lancashire may be making a similar request to the Government to postpone elections in 2026.
“The preferred option for Blackburn with Darwen Council is the three unitary authority model.”
Cllr Mustafa Desai, leader of 4BwD, the borough’s main opposition group, said he supported the cancellation of the elections.
He said: “I fully understand the concerns raised by the Labour leaderships of Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn Councils regarding the proposed local elections in May 2026.
“Given the significant changes and uncertainty surrounding Lancashire devolution and local government reorganisation, postponing the elections would indeed provide much-needed political stability during this period.
“The proposed creation of a Pennine Lancashire Unitary Authority is a major development that will impact local governance and representation.
“It is essential that this process is given the time and attention it deserves, without the distraction of elections.
“I support the call to postpone the local elections in May 2026 to ensure a smooth transition and allow for proper implementation of the new unitary authority structure.”
Blackburn with Darwen’s third largest group, the Conservatives, have also been approached for comment.
Hyndburn Labour call for cancellation of local elections
In his report to Hyndburn Council’s ruling cabinet, Cllr Munsif Dad recommends: “That Cabinet approve the preferred option to establish a three-unitary authority in Lancashire, and the submission of the preferred option to Government by November 28.
“That cabinet agrees to write to the Secretary of State asking to postpone the local elections due to be held in May 2026 for the following reasons: members being elected for short terms; additional expense and costs to the taxpayer; risk of disruption and additional pressure to the council; and impact on transition to the new shadow authority.”
However, the leader of the main opposition Conservative group in Hyndburn, Cllr Zak Khan, accused Labour of running scared from public opinion.
He said: “Two more years is a long time for residents to be prevented from having their say on who represents them in their current council.
“Labour are simply not delivering for people in Hyndburn, so it’s no wonder they don’t want residents to show them their discontent through the polls.
“In those two years, a new Conservative-led council would set Hyndburn up to succeed.”
Reform UK’s County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, the leader of Lancashire County Council, has been an outspoken opponent to Lancashire devolution, both in his current role and when previously the Conservative leader of Ribble Valley Council.
On the proposals, he said: “Reform would never cancel elections.
“Democracy is precious, and people fought hard for democracy in this country.
“I do not think that argument has any merit whatsoever.”
