The High Court will hear Reform’s challenge to the annulment of the assembly elections

Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:51

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Reform England’s legal challenge against the UK government over plans to delay local elections will be heard over two days next month.

The case focuses on the government’s plans to allow 63 councils to postpone local elections scheduled for May 2026. So far, more than a third of local authorities in England (27) have asked to postpone their elections until 2027.

This move is related to the Labor Party’s plan to abolish the two-tier system of district councils and regional councils. Instead, they want to create a number of new authorities responsible for delivering all local services.

Nigel Farage’s party has launched a review of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government over plans to allow councils to postpone elections.

The party argues that this delayed process discourages candidates from running and undermines democratic election campaigns.

The parties were present at a hearing on Tuesday, where Reform asked for temporary relief to prevent the government from making any immediate changes to the election date.

However, Judge Chamberlain agreed to a very quick legal timetable, with a follow-up hearing planned for February 19. At a two-day hearing next month, the High Court will decide whether Reform UK has a valid legal argument to bring the case and, if so, give a final decision.

Reform England should notify all 63 councils affected by the potential delay today.

Labor Party ‘denies democracy’

Responding to today’s court order, a Reform UK spokesman said: “We said we would fight Labor every step of the way on this and we have done just that. Labor has shamefully tried to deny democracy. We are determined to win this case next month.”

Meanwhile a government spokesperson said: “This is an ongoing process and no decision has been taken regarding any postponement. There is a clear precedent for postponing local elections when local government reorganization is underway, as was the case between 2019 and 2021.”

“It is extraordinary that the council has told us that it is struggling to prepare for elections to a resource-intensive and imminently disbanded council, while also reorganizing into a more efficient authority that can better serve local residents,” they added.