4 mayoral elections as a consequence of happen in Might 2026 are set to be postponed by two years, Sky Information understands.
Elections for the brand new mayoralties of Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Sussex and Brighton, and Norfolk and Suffolk will probably be pushed again till 2028.
The choice, first revealed by The Sun, 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 have been delayed by then communities secretary Angela Rayner for a yr so as to convert them into mixed authorities led by mayors.
Nevertheless, it’s understood that these councils want extra time to finish their reorganisation.
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The information has sparked accusations Labour are delaying the elections for political functions.
Reform UK’s head of coverage Zia Yusuf mentioned: “It is a blatant try and cease massive Reform wins subsequent Might.
“It is an act of a determined authorities who’re clinging onto energy by any means obligatory.
“Labour has confirmed time and time once more that they are not past denying democracy to tens of millions of individuals so as to keep their cosy establishment.”
Pic: PA
The Tories’ shadow housing secretary James Cleverly mentioned it was a “scandalous try and subvert democracy by a Labour authorities whose credibility and recognition are already in tatters”.
“The Conservatives firmly oppose this resolution to delay the mayoral elections, particularly when candidates have been chosen and campaigning is effectively below approach,” he added.
“Democracy is being denied but once more after the council elections cancelled by Labour this yr.
“There isn’t a credible justification for this transfer. The Labour authorities should reverse it instantly.”
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The reorganisation is a part of Labour’s manifesto commitment to widen devolution, which it argues will enhance native economies.
The federal government needs to abolish the two-tier system of county and district councils and merge them collectively to create bigger unitary authorities. It additionally needs extra areas to have regional mayors, like Higher Manchester’s Andy Burnham.
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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 celebration additionally toppled a 14,000-strong Labour majority in a parliamentary by-election.
The Liberal Democrats’ native authorities spokesperson Zoe Franklin known as the postponed elections “a shame”.
“Democracy delayed is democracy denied,” she added. “We’re combating to finish this blatant sew up between Labour and the Conservatives over native elections.”
