Politics · 16 February 2026

Ministers drop proposal to delay council votes until 2027

Officials have withdrawn controversial orders to postpone 30 English council ballots until 2027 after receiving legal advice. The government will cover Reform UK's legal fees, estimated at over £100,000, after the party launched a High Court challenge. A minister confirmed voting is now set for May 2026 and allocated £63 million to help authorities manage the changes.

By BriefTea Editorial · 16 February 2026 at 16:56

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

PoliticsReform Official Doubted Legality of £72m Donations, Footage Shows PoliticsJackdaw gasfield approved as Burnham backs North Sea drilling despite climate concerns PoliticsWestminster council cutting 520 jobs to save £29m PoliticsLabour Takes Four-Point Lead as Reform Slips to Third in Poll PoliticsCivil Servants Were Placed in ITV and Channel 4 Newsrooms at Elections HealthCovid Inquiry Finds Care Homes Were an 'Afterthought' in Pandemic More politics stories → Browse all stories →