Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

21 Councils Seek Election Delays Amid Government Overhaul

1/15/2026

46 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Twenty-one English councils have asked to delay their May elections over concerns about the government's local government overhaul, representing about a third of eligible councils.
Ministers would approve the requests if the concerns are genuine.
Councils seeking delays include East Sussex, West Sussex, Suffolk, and Exeter.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed says the aim is to avoid costly elections for councils that will be restructured.

1 of 1

Story summary

Twenty-one English councils have asked to delay their May elections over concerns about the government's local government overhaul, representing about a third of eligible councils.
Ministers would approve the requests if the concerns are genuine.
Councils seeking delays include East Sussex, West Sussex, Suffolk, and Exeter.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed says the aim is to avoid costly elections for councils that will be restructured.