Nigel Farage has blasted Labour’s plan to scrap FOUR mayoral elections next May, branding it a “despot” move to crush democracy. The snap postponement targets key regions including Essex, Suffolk & Norfolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton — with polls reportedly pushed back by two years.
Labour Blocks Reform UK’s Rising Tide
Farage claims Labour’s cancellation is a desperate bid to stop Reform UK’s surge in these areas. “For the second year running, this failing Labour Government will cancel elections where they fear Reform will win. These are the actions of despots, not democrats,” he said.
Essex, a Reform UK stronghold, saw Farage win two seats at the last general election. Pollsters Nowcast predict Reform UK could storm to 17 of 18 Essex seats next time. The party looks set to make big gains in Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampshire, and Sussex — battling against Lib Dems, Greens, Labour, and Tories.
Tories Accused of Backing Election Cancels
Farage also took aim at Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who condemned Labour for scrapping local polls for the second time. Badenoch insisted: “Democracy isn’t optional. We will oppose this every step of the way.”
But Farage hit back, revealing Tory-run councils helped push the cancellations after government requests, calling it “shameless.”
Lib Dems Cry Foul Over ‘Stitch-Up’
Liberal Democrat MP Zoe Franklin slammed the cancellations as “a disgrace.” She accused both Labour and the Tories of a “blatant stitch-up” over the elections. “Democracy delayed is democracy denied,” she said, vowing that the Lib Dems will fight to restore voting rights for millions in May.
What Next?
- Up to 5.4 million voters hit by Labour’s cancellation plan.
- Devolution Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh informed council leaders last night.
- Mayoral elections in Cheshire & Warrington and Cumbria still set for 2027.
- All six county council polls due in May will proceed as planned.
Reform UK is gunning for strong results in upcoming contests, especially Essex. Farage is due to respond fully to the election axe at 3pm.
