Twelve councils canceling local elections in May have seen a dramatic 344% increase in asylum seekers being housed in their areas, far higher than the 184% rise across England and 177% across the UK.
This sharp rise has fueled anger among voters, particularly as the Channel migrant crisis continues. Reform UK, which had aimed for significant gains in these elections, criticized the decision, calling it “arrogant cowardice.”
Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, expressed frustration, saying, “Local people don’t want illegal migrants in their communities. It’s dangerous, especially for women. Politicians responsible for this are avoiding elections because they know voters are angry. This is cowardice.” He added, “We need strict measures: no one here illegally stays. Detain and deport—no exceptions. That’s what voters want.”
The Centre for Migration Control revealed massive increases in asylum seekers in counties like Essex (up 712%), West Sussex (up 460%), Warwickshire (up 401%), and Norfolk (up 307%) over three years.
These councils are part of the government’s priority devolution programme, allowing them to delay elections for a year. Critics argue this avoids accountability. Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, stated, “Immigration is a top concern for voters. Politicians should face elections and answer for their decisions, not hide behind rule changes.”
He added, “Voters have seen undocumented migrants housed in their towns, disrupting their quality of life. They deserve a say on the failure of both national and local leaders.”
