Are Election Delays Prompting the Lib Dems to Contact Human Rights Watchdog?

The proposed delays to local elections in England could disenfranchise nearly 10 million voters, according to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. He raised concerns about the government's handling of the situation, urging the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to investigate the implications of postponing elections amid significant local government reforms.

Last updated: 09 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The discussion surrounding the potential postponement of local elections in England has intensified, with Sir Ed Davey warning that the democratic rights of nearly 10 million voters may be compromised. As the government considers requests for delays from various councils, concerns have been voiced regarding the implications of such actions on voter representation and local governance. Local Government Minister Alison McGovern has confirmed that multiple councils have requested to postpone their elections, mainly due to the ongoing restructuring of local government, which aims to consolidate authorities and introduce mayors in every region by 2028.

Key takeaways

Nearly 10 million voters may lose their right to vote if proposed election delays proceed.
Sir Ed Davey has urged an investigation into the government's approach to local elections.
Local councils are expressing concerns about their capacity to conduct elections amid major reforms.
The government is considering delays as councils request more time to prepare for changes.
The situation has sparked political debate, with objections from various parties, including Reform UK.

Timeline: how we got here

The current controversy stems from the government's plan to reorganise local authorities, which was announced last year. Below is a brief timeline of key events:

2022: The government unveils plans for the most significant local government restructuring in England in 50 years, promising a mayor for every region by 2028.
February 2023: Nine areas are allowed to postpone their elections from 2025 to 2026 to accommodate the restructuring.
December 2023: Local authorities are consulted on whether they need a delay for elections scheduled for May 2026. Multiple councils request postponements.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, Sir Ed Davey formally requested the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to investigate the government's approach to local elections, arguing that postponing elections violates the right to free elections as outlined in Article 3 of the first protocol of the Human Rights Act. Councils such as Hastings and those in East and West Sussex have confirmed their requests for delays.

What was already established

It has been previously established that the government's local government reforms aim to streamline and improve local governance. Additionally, there have been consistent concerns regarding the financial implications for councils conducting elections for positions that will soon be abolished.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The potential postponement of local elections could lead to prolonged terms for some councillors, affecting how local services are delivered. Voter disenfranchisement may also impact public trust in governmental processes. Households may experience uncertainty regarding local representation and accountability during a critical period of reform.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses may face challenges if local councils are unable to effectively govern during the transition period. The postponement of elections could lead to instability in local policy-making, impacting business operations and investment decisions within affected areas.

Policy and regulation

The government’s decision-making process regarding election postponements could set a precedent for how future local governance restructures are handled. A locally-led approach may raise questions about the fairness and transparency of such decisions, particularly if councils defer elections to avoid potential electoral losses during the transition phase.

Numbers that matter

10 million: The estimated number of voters at risk of losing their democratic rights due to proposed election delays.
63 councils: The total number of councils affected by the local government restructuring plans.
2028: The year by which the government aims to implement its complete reorganisation plan, including mayors for every region.
9 areas: Identified areas that were initially allowed to postpone elections from 2025 to 2026.
15 January: The deadline for councils to request delays in upcoming elections.

Definitions and jargon buster

Local Government Act: Legislation governing the powers and responsibilities of local authorities in England.
Equalities and Human Rights Commission: An independent body in the UK established to promote equality and protect human rights.
Restructuring: The process of reorganising local government structures, including merging councils and changing governance models.
Article 3 of the First Protocol of the Human Rights Act: A provision that guarantees the right to free elections in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, councils will deliberate on whether to formally request delays for the elections scheduled for May 2026. The government's deadline of 15 January 2024 will likely influence these discussions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, the outcomes of these requests and the government's response will shape the political landscape. Voter sentiment may also evolve as more information becomes available about the restructuring and its implications for local governance.

Signals to watch

Official announcements from councils regarding their decisions on election postponements.
Responses from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission concerning the government's approach.
Public opinion polls reflecting voter attitudes towards the proposed delays and local government reforms.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments regarding local elections and governance reforms.
Participate in local discussions about the implications of election delays.
Engage with local representatives to express concerns about potential disenfranchisement.

Don’t

Ignore official communications from local councils regarding election updates.
Assume that election postponements will not affect local governance and representation.
Dismiss the importance of community involvement in local electoral processes.

Checklist

Check local council announcements regarding election schedules.
Review communications from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission for updates.
Follow local news for changes in public sentiment regarding the elections.
Engage with local political groups to understand their positions on the delays.
Stay updated on legislative developments related to local governance reforms.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding how many councils will ultimately opt for delays and the potential implications of these decisions on voter turnout and representation. The government's approach faces criticism for perceived conflicts of interest, as existing councils are determining when they will be accountable to voters. Additionally, the impact of these delays on reforms and local governance structures remains to be seen, as heightened political tensions could influence future decision-making.

Bottom line

The proposed delays to local elections raise significant concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the integrity of democratic processes in the UK. As councils consider their options, the situation calls for vigilance among voters and local representatives alike. Engaging in discussions about the restructuring and its implications is crucial for ensuring that democratic rights are upheld.

FAQs

What are the implications of delaying local elections?

Delaying local elections could disenfranchise nearly 10 million voters, leading to prolonged terms for some councillors and potential instability in local governance.

Why is the government considering postponing elections?

The government is considering postponements in response to requests from councils struggling to manage elections while undergoing significant restructuring of local government.

What can voters do in light of these proposed delays?

Voters should stay informed, engage with local councils, and participate in discussions about the implications of the proposed delays on their democratic rights.