May local elections in East of England to go ahead after legal challenge
Reform UK's court win has led to the reversal of government postponement plans.
Last updated 16th Feb 2026
Local elections in various councils across the East of England are set to proceed this May following a successful legal challenge by Reform UK against government plans to delay them.
Councils affected include Norfolk, Suffolk, Basildon, Harlow, Ipswich, Norwich, Stevenage, Thurrock, and Peterborough.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed initially announced the postponement, citing concerns over capacity, reorganisation, and democracy amid efforts to reorganise English local authorities.
On Monday, a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson confirmed that after legal advice, the original decision was revoked and elections will take place as scheduled in May 2026.
The spokesperson underscored the need to provide certainty to councils about their local elections.
Nigel Farage praised the decision as a victory for Reform UK, who had taken legal action against the proposed delays.
Farage declared on social media platform X: "We took this Labour government to court and won."
In January, a court order outlined Mr Justice Chamberlain’s acknowledgment of Reform UK's request to block the postponement pending a full hearing.
Reform UK sought to have the complete claim resolved before the end of March, aligning with the publication of election notices.