Overview
- MHCLG confirmed all local elections in England will proceed on 7 May 2026 following new legal advice.
- The reversal followed legal advice prompted by a judicial review launched by Reform UK over the planned delays.
- Electoral administrators warn of a race against time after losing months of planning for reinstated polls on 7 May.
- The government pledged up to £63 million to support councils with pressures linked to local government reorganisation and the elections.
- Senior Devon Liberal Democrats are urging a pause to the wider reorganisation timetable, while Hampshire leaders welcomed the decision and some called for previously scheduled mayoral votes to be restored.