By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2025-01-10 18:24:02 | Updated at 2025-01-10 22:05:52
3 hours ago
Nigel Farage has branded the push to delay county council elections an "act of cowardice", claiming Conservative-led councils are trying to avoid facing Reform UK at the polls.
Speaking on GB News, the former UKIP leader said over 10 million people would be denied their right to vote for local representatives.
"It's an act of cowardice, it's a denial of democracy and frankly, it's a disgrace," Nigel said.
He accused Conservative councils of not wanting to "face Reform on May 1" because "they know they will lose their jobs and money."
Kemi Badenoch's party has been accused of 'bottling' the council votes
CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Local authorities have until Friday to request permission from the Government to delay their elections.
Ministers have said postponements would only be considered "where this would help deliver reorganisation and devolution".
Downing Street confirmed it would "work collaboratively" with councils and provide certainty "as soon as possible".
The election delays follow Labour's December announcement of plans to abolish two-tier council areas as part of a major devolution programme.
Nigel Farage spoke to Christopher Hope on GB News
GB NEWS
The reorganisation would see hundreds of district and county councils replaced by larger unitary authorities across England, with more regionally elected mayors.
Ministers believe fewer councils with more responsibilities can save money and provide better services.
The plan could see new unitary authorities created, with proposals suggesting three in Norfolk and two in Suffolk.
The Liberal Democrats have accused Conservative-run councils of "running scared" and "silencing democracy" following recent party gains in affected counties.
"This attempt to silence the voice of millions is a scandal. Democracy delayed is democracy denied," said Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper.
Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice accused Conservative-led councils of "bottling it and abandoning the elections".
Some lower-tier councils have also voiced concerns, with King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council leader Alistair Beales calling the delay "plainly unnecessary" and warning it "could prove divisive".
Nigel criticised the timeline of the reorganisation, noting it won't be ready until 2028.
"The whole thing is a dog's dinner. Why not go ahead with the elections? That's nearly the whole term," he said on GB News.
He insisted there was "no logical argument" for the delays, adding: "The Government in certain parts of the North and the Conservative Party in most of the South don't want to face Reform."
Electoral expert Martin Baxter warned the changes could result in some councillors serving seven-year terms instead of four.
