Summary
Almost 250 councillors in England could face extended seven-year terms due to delays in local elections. The postponements are part of a reorganisation of local government, affecting elections initially scheduled for this year in 29 areas. These delays will extend the terms of councillors until 2028.
Key Facts
- Almost 250 councillors may serve extended seven-year terms because of local election delays in England.
- The delays affect nearly 30 English councils due to a reorganisation of local government.
- Councillors in these areas will continue in their roles until the next elections, expected in 2028.
- The largest group potentially serving longer terms is the Conservative Party, with 154 councillors.
- Other affected parties include Labour with 24 councillors, Lib Dems with 28, and Greens with 16.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argues that local elections should proceed as planned, calling extended delays unnecessary.
- Twenty-nine councils are affected, with 63 of 136 eligible for postponement; elections will continue in 107 councils.
- The Electoral Commission criticized the decision, urging that elections should usually go ahead as planned.
