Labour Reverses Decision to Cancel Local Elections Following Reform Court Challenge

Published on February 16, 2026 at 02:27 PM
Estimated Read Time: 1 minute read

LABOUR have been forced to abandon a controversial bid to delay dozens of local council elections after Reform went to court.

Sir Keir Starmer has backed down from the plans in the face of fury from Nigel Farage.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wearing glasses, a white shirt, a dark suit, and a blue patterned tie, with the Union Jack flag visible in the background.

Starmer has backed down on controversial plans to cancel electionsCredit: Getty

Ministers insist that this will allow them time to complete their reorganisation, with some authorities being merged into one.

Last week the Electoral Commission raised concerns that five councils – , , , and – have “double delays”, which means their councillors will serve seven-year terms.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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