Reform UK Takes Government to Court Over Election Delay Plans
A significant legal battle is set to unfold next month as Reform UK challenges the government's authority to postpone dozens of local council elections. The High Court will host a two-day hearing starting on 19 February to determine whether the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) can lawfully allow councils to delay their scheduled May elections by a full year.
The Core of the Legal Dispute
Nigel Farage's party has initiated legal proceedings against MHCLG, contesting plans that permit local authorities to defer elections due to the ongoing local government reorganisation (LGR) programme. This initiative aims to streamline councils into more efficient entities, but Reform UK argues it is being used to undermine democratic processes.
In a strategic move, Reform UK's legal team has agreed not to seek a temporary injunction blocking election delay announcements, in exchange for a expedited full hearing within a month. Julian Blake, representing MHCLG, stated that the secretary of state was willing to agree to a reasonable amount of expedition to resolve the matter before 27 March, deeming the application unnecessary given this cooperation.
Government and Council Perspectives
A spokesperson for MHCLG emphasised that no final decisions have been made regarding delays, highlighting a precedent for postponing elections during reorganisation periods, as seen between 2019 and 2021. They explained that councils are struggling to prepare for resource-intensive elections for authorities that will soon be abolished, while simultaneously reorganising to better serve residents.
Sky News investigations reveal that nearly half of the 63 councils eligible to request delays have done so. Twenty-nine councils have expressed a desire for postponement, with a breakdown showing 21 Labour-run, four Conservative, two Liberal Democrat, one Green, and one independent. These councils cite the substantial resources required for the LGR programme as a primary reason, arguing it is impractical to spend significant funds on elections for positions that may exist for only one year.
Political Reactions and Opposition
Reform UK has been vocal in its condemnation, with a spokesman accusing Labour of disgracefully trying to deny democracy and vowing to fight the case vigorously. Nigel Farage has labelled the government's move as absolutely monstrous, alleging collusion between Labour and the Conservatives to exclude his party from power.
However, opposition extends beyond Reform UK. The Conservatives have also expressed disapproval, with shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride warning that millions could be denied their democratic right to seek change, opposing the prospect of councillors serving extended seven-year terms. Similarly, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for legal reforms to prevent ministers from delaying elections arbitrarily.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed defended the approach on Sky's Politics Hub, stating that the vast majority of elections will proceed as scheduled. He explained that delays are being considered only in areas undergoing the most significant council reorganisations in decades, where holding elections this year might disrupt plans for next year.
The court has set a deadline for next Friday for any of the 63 local authorities to apply to join as interested parties or seek permission to intervene. The government must also inform the court of its reasons for exercising delay powers by the preceding day. Ministers are expected to announce shortly which elections will be cancelled this year, with the final decision resting in their hands.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between administrative efficiency and democratic integrity, setting the stage for a pivotal legal ruling that could impact local governance across the UK.
