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Officials have withdrawn controversial orders to postpone 30 English council ballots until 2027 after receiving legal advice.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

PoliticsTreasury officials advise John Healey to tax banks and oil companies more PoliticsBurnham to end indefinite jail terms by parliament's end PoliticsJames Cleverly steps down from the shadow cabinet to campaign for London mayor WorldIcelanders vote on restarting EU membership talks after 13 years PoliticsBurnham returns to parliament with budget, welfare, and cost of living challenges WorldFour EU countries advocate using Russia's frozen 210 billion euros for Ukraine More politics stories → Browse all stories →