Councils Seek Postponement of May Elections

Several county councils in England, including Derbyshire and Worcestershire, are requesting to postpone elections scheduled for May 2025 to focus on proposed local government restructuring as part of devolution plans. Derbyshire County Council aims to merge with district authorities to create a single-tier authority, while Worcestershire seeks to delay elections to allow time for submitting devolution proposals. Critics, including members of the Green Party and Reform UK, have condemned these postponements as undemocratic maneuvers by the Conservatives to retain power amid fears of losing control in upcoming elections. Angela Rayner, the local government secretary, has indicated that councils should not hold elections if they are planning to merge, though many local leaders argue elections should proceed regardless of restructuring discussions. The government is considering these requests, with potential delays impacting local governance and community representation. The situation remains fluid, with councils awaiting government decisions on their proposals for election postponements.