Council leaders call for local next elections to be scrapped
The Labour leaderships of Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn Councils made the calls because of Lancashire Devolution.
The Labour leaderships of Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn Councils have called for May’s local elections to be scrapped because of Lancashire devolution.
Both authorities will hold special meetings on Wednesday where their political bosses will recommend that the government postpone the polls in their boroughs because of devo-related local government reorganisation (LGR).
Both Blackburn with Darwen leader Cllr Phil Riley and Hyndburn boss Cllr Munsif Dad have backed the creation of a Pennine Lancashire Unitary Authority which includes (Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale in reports to senior colleagues.
This would be part of a three all-purpose council solution for Lancashire after devolution.
Burnley and Pendle want to see a smaller authority including themselves and Rossendale – but the latter is happy with the Pennine Lancashire proposal.
In a report to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s ruling executive Cllr Riley says: “The process of LGR in Lancashire is likely to continue into 2028 and beyondThe process of LGR in Lancashire is likely to continue into 2028 and beyond.
“Based on the current timeline provided by the government, it is expected there will be all-out elections to new shadow authorities in 2027, which will then transition to new councils in 2028.
“Therefore, in order to maintain stability, maximise resources and reduce expenditure during this process, it is proposed that government is asked to postpone the 2026 local elections currently due to take place in Blackburn with Darwen and extend the term of office for affected councillors.
“It is recognised that postponing a local election is a significant decision which should not be undertaken lightly.
“Postponing the elections in May 2026, would provide political stability during the LGR period.
“It is anticipated that if the government approves the request for a postponement to the 2026 local elections, there would be an approximate saving of £200,000.
“We understand a number of district councils in Lancashire may be making a similar request to Government to postpone elections in 2026.
“The preferred option for Blackburn with Darwen Council is the three unitary authority model.”
In his report to Hyndburn Council’s ruling cabinet Cllr Dad recommends “That cabinet approve the preferred option to establish a three-unitary authority in Lancashire, and the submission of the preferred option to Government by November28.
“That cabinet agree to write to the Secretary of State asking to postpone the local elections due to be held in May 2026 for the following reasons:
“i) members being elected for short terms;
“ii) additional expense and costs to the taxpayer;
“iii) risk of disruption and additional pressure to the council; and
“iv) Impact on transition to the new shadow authority.”