Here at CalComms tower we have been discussing the main political news of the week. Yes, you’ve guessed it: local council elections.
CalComms understand that elections in 12 out of 21 County Council areas may be postponed as part of the government’s plans to create new unitary authorities, some with new directly-elected mayors.
The government’s proposals for radical new devolution will, they say, help meet the target of 1.5 million homes and help councils deliver more strategically.
Most of the County Councils are Conservative strongholds, while some of the district councils, such as Thurrock, are held by Labour. Many of these councillors were elected in 2021, the high point of Boris Johnson’s popularity, but are now prime targets for Reform.
The Conservatives and Reform have criticised both the government’s wider plans, and proposals to postpone the elections as an excuse to avoid damaging political elections off the back a difficult first six months of government.
Postponing local elections is always controversial, but there seems little point in electing councillors who will only serve a one-year term. If Labour are serious about meeting the 1.5 million homes target, then local government reform will need to be part of it. Strategic plan making across the regions has consistently been better in areas with Combined Authorities, as have transport plans.
But the reputation of local government is barely better that Westminster’s, and town halls are particularly at risk from Reform’s anti-politics language.
Local government failings around safeguarding have been in the news this week, and over the last few years the reputation of councils have been knocked hard by financial problems in Birmingham, Thurrock and Croydon.
Local government reform could deliver more strategic planning and joined-up leadership, but if Labour are hoping to stop the rise of Reform, then postponing elections is a risky way to do it.