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Local election officials have expressed serious concerns over councils’ ability to prepare adequately for the upcoming May local elections, following the government’s reversal of its earlier decision to postpone certain council votes. Initially, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had authorized delays in elections for 30 councils across England, pushing them back until 2027. However, this plan was scrapped after legal advice indicated the postponement could be unlawful, a move triggered by a legal challenge initiated by Reform UK.
The delay suspension means local elections are now scheduled to proceed on 7 May in areas including Norfolk, Suffolk, Blackburn, Lincoln, Thurrock, and around two dozen other English councils. To assist those councils undergoing restructuring as part of a wide-ranging local government overhaul, approximately £63 million has been allocated to help cover election costs. Despite the reversal, some election organisers had continued preparations, anticipating a High Court hearing on the legality of the postponement, which was scheduled for Thursday.
Representing electoral officials nationwide, the Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) voiced strong disappointment at the loss of several months of crucial planning time. Laura Lock, the AEA’s deputy chief executive, highlighted the challenges faced by returning officers, electoral registration officers, and their teams, stating that these groups now confront “an uphill struggle to catch up to where they should be.” The AEA also offers training and support to those involved in election administration across the UK.
The decision to abandon the postponement received mixed reactions from political leaders. Matthew Hicks, leader of Tory-controlled Suffolk County Council, criticised the government for “whiplash” caused by sudden changes in policy, which he said undermined effective planning and stability for residents. Similarly, Lynn Worrall, leader of Labour-run Thurrock Council, described the late reversal as “disappointing.” Meanwhile, opposition parties welcomed the announcement, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage celebrating their court victory on social media. The government has agreed to cover Reform UK’s legal costs, estimated at over £100,000. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called the government’s retreat “a humiliating U-turn,” while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the situation as “predictable chaos from a useless government that cannot make basic decisions.”
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