Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Finance > UK government abandons plans to postpone 30 local council elections in May

UK government abandons plans to postpone 30 local council elections in May

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 16, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: February 16, 2026

Founders of The Entertainer toy chain hand over control to workers - Global Banking & Finance Review — Image depicting the founders of The Entertainer, Gary and Catherine Grant, announcing the transition of their toy retailer to employee ownership, emphasizing the significance of this move in the finance sector.

Tags:UK economy Government funding public policy

Quick Summary

The UK government has reversed its decision to delay 30 local council elections in May 2026 following legal advice and criticism over democratic impact.

UK Government Drops Plan to Delay Local Council Elections in May

Local Council Elections Update

LONDON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The British government was forced on Monday to abandon a plan to postpone 30 local council elections in May after receiving legal advice.

Government's Initial Plan

Ministers had previously defended the postponement as being vital for the delivery of an overhaul of local government. Elections for 34 other councils were going ahead as planned.

Legal Challenges and Opposition

“Following legal advice, the government has withdrawn its original decision to postpone 30 local elections in May,” a spokesperson said.

Impact on Democracy

"Providing certainty to councils about their local elections is now the most crucial thing and all local elections will now go ahead in May 2026."

The government had been under pressure from opponents over the decision to allow some councils which are facing a reorganisation next year to postpone local government elections due to take place in May.

Critics said it was damaging to democracy. Nigel Farage's Reform UK party had lodged a legal challenge to the decision which was due to be heard on Thursday and Friday at the High Court.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)

Key Takeaways

•UK government cancels plan to delay 30 local elections.
•Legal advice prompted the reversal of the decision.
•Critics argued postponement harmed democratic processes.
•Nigel Farage's party challenged the decision legally.
•All local elections will proceed in May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about UK government abandons plans to postpone 30 local council elections in May

1What is the main topic?

The article discusses the UK government's reversal of its decision to delay 30 local council elections in May 2026.

2Why was the election postponement plan abandoned?

The plan was abandoned following legal advice and opposition from critics who argued it was damaging to democracy.

3Who challenged the election delay legally?

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party lodged a legal challenge against the decision.

Local Council Elections Update

LONDON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The British government was forced on Monday to abandon a plan to postpone 30 local council elections in May after receiving legal advice.

Government's Initial Plan

Ministers had previously defended the postponement as being vital for the delivery of an overhaul of local government. Elections for 34 other councils were going ahead as planned.

Legal Challenges and Opposition

“Following legal advice, the government has withdrawn its original decision to postpone 30 local elections in May,” a spokesperson said.

Impact on Democracy

"Providing certainty to councils about their local elections is now the most crucial thing and all local elections will now go ahead in May 2026."

Critics said it was damaging to democracy. Nigel Farage's Reform UK party had lodged a legal challenge to the decision which was due to be heard on Thursday and Friday at the High Court.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the main topic?

The article discusses the UK government's reversal of its decision to delay 30 local council elections in May 2026.

2Why was the election postponement plan abandoned?

The plan was abandoned following legal advice and opposition from critics who argued it was damaging to democracy.

3Who challenged the election delay legally?

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party lodged a legal challenge against the decision.