𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

In an astonishing affront to our cherished rights, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Government is set to approve the cancellation of one third of council elections in England this May. A move which would deprive 4million folks of their democratic rights would mean some English councillors end up serving seven-year terms rather than the usual five. And get this: the vast majority of councils making the request are Labour-controlled. Stands back in amazement!

Ostensibly this is all to do with expensive, time-consuming and frankly unnecessary local government reforms driven by the Government. But whether through incompetence or conspiracy, it feels distinctly like fear of Reform is a factor given that most councils making delay requests are in areas Nigel Farage’s party is set to do well in, such as in the North-West.

Even one of Sir Keir’s former ministers and the Electoral Commission boss have criticised such plans to delay democracy.

No doubt Labour will be only too happy to oblige, having previously said it would authorise delays if there were “genuine concerns” about delivering elections alongside an overhaul of local government.

With a proposed end to some jury trials and now this, Starmer seems intent on dumping on everything which made Britain great and which it exported to much of the world.

What next? Delaying a general election which must be held by mid-2029 but which Reform is on course to win? What spurious claims will be made to deny democracy then?

This is a democratic outrage and goes against the spirit of Britain’s political traditions. Not that the Conservatives and Lib Dems should be let off the hook – some Tory- and Lib Dem-led councils are also calling for delays.

If this goes ahead – again – this Labour Government will show itself up as disrespectful and disregarding of the UK, its people and its traditions.

Enough is surely enough. Never mind challenging delayed local elections. We need to expedite a general election. The British people simply cannot afford to endure this Labour Government for another three-and-a-half years.