Labour fearful of mayor reform, claims Tory

A leading Conservative figure has accused Labour of "running scared" after the announcement that elections for newly established mayoral posts will be delayed. Originally scheduled for May in Greater Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, these elections are now confirmed by the BBC to be postponed until 2028.

Louise McKinlay, the Conservative candidate for Greater Essex, criticized the move, saying it "deprives the nation of vital investment and leadership." Meanwhile, Caroline Topping, the Green candidate for Suffolk and Norfolk, expressed frustration over the lack of direct communication to candidates, describing the situation as "a joke" given the preparations already underway.

The government is expected to justify the delay by citing the need for additional preparation time, with a formal announcement anticipated soon. Reform UKs deputy leader, Richard Tice, condemned the decision as a "deliberate, dictatorial cancelling of democracy." The Liberal Democrats have vowed to push for the elections to proceed in 2026, emphasizing that "democracy delayed is democracy denied."

The postponement also affects mayoral elections in Hampshire and the Solent, as well as Sussex and Brighton. McKinlay stated that delaying the Greater Essex election until 2028 undermines the potential growth, leadership, and investment that a mayor could provide, criticizing Labour for prioritizing party politics over the public interest. She called on the party to reverse the decision, insisting that residents "deserve better."

Topping highlighted the impact on local campaign staff, noting that leaflets had been printed and campaigning had begun. She emphasized the importance of devolving power from Westminster to local communities to prevent such disruptions.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Zoe Franklin affirmed that her party would advocate for holding the elections in 2026. Southend-on-Sea City Councils Labour leader, Daniel Cowan, acknowledged the delay but reassured that funding and powers for the combined authority would still be provided soon, allowing local leaders to focus on strategic growth and prepare for the 2028 mayoral election.

Local government officials have expressed anger at the postponement, particularly as preparations for the reorganization of services and the introduction of directly elected mayors had already been underway. BBC East political editor Andrew Sinclair noted widespread frustration, with candidates shocked by the sudden decision. He explained that ministers are likely to argue the delay is due to pending legislation and the broader reorganization of local councils into unitary authorities in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, though this does not quell public discontent.

Author: Aiden Foster