Angela Rayner hints that Labour is worried about the rise of Reform UK (Image: PA)
Is it any surprise that both Labour and the Conservatives are trying to delay the local elections in May?
Reform UK has been climbing in the polls, and neither party seems ready to face the public. Instead of respecting democracy, they are holding on to power, afraid of losing to growing public dissatisfaction.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK’s leader, has criticized this move, calling it “political cowardice.” He specifically pointed to efforts to delay elections in places like Essex County Council, where his party has been gaining support.
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has proposed merging district councils into larger authorities. This allows counties to ask for election delays, claiming they need time to finish the reorganisation. As a result, some councillors could stay in power for three extra years without a vote.
So far, 15 counties and two unitary authorities—most of them Conservative-led—have requested election delays. Many see this as an attempt by the Conservatives, under Kemi Badenoch, to avoid a public vote. Farage called it a “denial of democracy and a disgrace,” saying elections should happen even if reorganisation takes years. He argued that the public doesn’t even want these changes.
Labour is no better. Although Rayner is leading the reorganisation plan, the entire Labour leadership supports it. Labour, too, is wary of Reform UK’s growing popularity, as their own policies have frustrated many voters. Instead of addressing these issues, they are also choosing to delay elections.
A government spokesperson defended the delays, claiming they were needed for “reorganisation and devolution.” However, critics see this as an excuse to avoid facing voters.
Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservatives’ shadow communities secretary, said councils shouldn’t be forced into restructuring. However, many believe his party is doing exactly that, undermining local democracy.
Both Labour and the Conservatives seem to fear a major political shift. Reform UK is tapping into public frustration with the traditional parties, offering an alternative to the same old politics.
By trying to delay elections, the two major parties are betraying voters and risking a backlash. Sooner or later, they will have to face the electorate. When that happens, the demand for change could reshape the political landscape.
Birminghamgist Staff is a News Reporter, making waves in the UK with insightful and Engaging reporting.
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