Labour's 'utter disdain' for local democracy as it axes mayor elections

LABOUR was accused of “electoral fraud” after postponing votes for powerful new regional mayors.

- BY JONATHAN WALKER

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed delayed elections in four regions until 2028, even though candidates have been chosen and campaigning is under way for polls previously due in May.

Critics accused the government of running scared because it feared a series of humiliating losses.

An analysis of recent polling by website Electoral Calculus found that Reform UK was the party most likely to win all four elections. The regions where mayor votes are delayed include Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton.