Angela Rayner Delays Local Elections in Nine Areas Amid Reforms

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced the postponement of local elections in nine areas of England for one year, affecting approximately 5.5 million voters. This decision is part of a major reorganization of local government structures, which will see several councils merged into larger unitary authorities. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the postponement as 'outrageous' and an act of 'cowardice' by the political class, claiming it denies citizens their right to vote and undermines his party's momentum. Rayner defended the decision, stating that holding elections for bodies that may not exist would be an irresponsible use of taxpayer money. Amid these changes, Farage emphasized that Reform UK will still field candidates across all districts and is determined to compete in the next general election. The areas affected include East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight.