29 councils in England have postponed local elections until 2027 due to a lack of capacity. Critics accuse the government of political motives.

In England, 29 of the 136 local elections scheduled for this year have been postponed until 2027, according to a statement from the Secretary of State for Local Government, Steve Reed. The postponements were requested by local councils due to a lack of capacity following a reorganization of local government structures. Although the majority of elections will take place as planned in May, the opposition has accused the Labour Party of fearing votes. Critics argue that the postponements are undemocratic and politically motivated, in the context of the Labour Party facing a possible defeat in the local elections. Reed dismissed the accusations, stating that the decision was made after consultations with local councils and that elections will continue in most areas.