MP concerned over plan to postpone local elections

A LOCAL MP has said plans to postpone local elections risks undermining democratic accountability.

Labour’s Sarah Edwards said that she was concerned by moves to push back a vote in order to allow councils to focus on upcoming local government reorganisation plans.

Among the local authorities to do so is Tamworth Borough Council, which faces being abolished in 2028 as part of a move to a unitary authority model, meaning any councillors elected in May would not serve a full term.

Council leaders have described the move as a "pragmatic" response to the scale of change facing local government in Staffordshire.

The leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Cllr Carol Dean, said the decision had not been taken lightly.

She said: "This has not been an easy decision. Democratic accountability matters greatly to us, and in normal circumstances we would always want elections to proceed as planned. 

"However, we need to take a balanced and pragmatic approach to how we best serve Tamworth residents as we prepare for local government reorganisation.

"The Government has indicated it will be consulting about local government reorganisation for Staffordshire from early February, which will shape and decide how services are delivered to our communities for years to come. 

"By postponing May’s elections, we can focus our capacity on getting reorganisation right and continue to work with other Staffordshire councils to effectively prepare for the shadow unitary authority elections in May 2027.

"Our focus remains on delivering high-quality services to residents and ensuring Tamworth is well-represented as we move towards the new unitary council."

Critics of the decision say cancelling the election removed democratic accountability and now Ms Edwards says the decision is not the right course of action.

She said: "I am disappointed by the decision taken by Tamworth Borough Council to request to cancel this year’s local elections.

"When asked by the leader of the council for my views, I made it clear that I did not believe this was the right course of action.

"The decision to cancel the elections ultimately rests with Tamworth Borough Council, and it is important to be clear that this was not a decision taken by myself as an MP. That said, I do support the local authority as it works through the process of local government reorganisation.

"It is essential that this process is handled transparently and responsibly, with residents kept informed and their democratic voice respected.

"I will continue to engage constructively to ensure that any changes strengthen local accountability and deliver the best possible outcomes for people."