Eighteen councils seek local election delays amid Reform UK backlash

Four independent councillors have defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, citing concerns over a potential 'Labour-run dictatorship' and a perceived lack of representation for their constituents. The move has drawn criticism from their former independent colleagues, who view it as a betrayal of the voters' trust. In parallel, the government has announced a postponement of local elections in nine areas, which Reform UK claims is an 'attack on democracy' and a tactic to undermine their rising support. Reform UK's leadership argues that this decision deprives over five million people of their voting rights, asserting that it is a coordinated effort between the Labour and Conservative parties. The party has launched a petition against the election delays, emphasizing the importance of local democracy amidst ongoing reorganization efforts in local governance. Critics of the government's plans have raised concerns over the efficiency and implications of merging councils under a single authority, as local leaders express mixed feelings about the proposed changes.