Local government elections in several Conservative-run counties may be postponed for a second consecutive year amid fears that Reform UK victories could disrupt Labour plans to overhaul local government.
Council leaders in East and West Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Surrey are reportedly lobbying the Labour government to push back next May’s elections to 2027.
Government officials are now considering requests from seven county council leaders to delay the elections, citing concerns that newly elected Reform UK mayors and council members could create instability.
Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice criticised the “terrified Tories” and “scared socialists,” calling the potential postponements a threat to democracy.
Council elections were initially postponed until 2026 as part of Labour’s plan to scrap the two-tier local government system, replacing county and district councils with larger councils led by executive mayors with previously national powers devolved to them.. However, Labour MPs doubt whether the changes can be fully implemented, and Reform UK’s rising popularity could further challenge these plans.
Nigel Farage‘s Reform UK is on course to secure record support, with a recent megapoll predicting 445 Commons seats if a general election was held immediately. Farage has pledged swift action on illegal migration, promising tough new border control measures within two weeks of taking office.
A government source said delaying elections is being considered “very carefully,” noting the cost and potential lack of meaning in running polls that could be swiftly overturned by municipal reorganisation. Devolution minister Miatta Fahnbulleh has met Conservative council leaders to discuss the plans.
