By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2024-12-27 00:25:23 | Updated at 2024-12-27 18:35:35
18 hours ago
Nigel Farage has called Labour "third world dictators" over its proposed government reforms in England, which could result in district council elections next year being scrapped.
His comments come after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced plans to introduce elected mayors across all regions, granting them increased powers over sectors such as transport and planning. This initiative involves merging smaller district councils into larger governing bodies, with a minimum population threshold of 500,000 for local authorities.
As part of this restructuring, local elections scheduled for May 2025 in certain areas may be postponed.
Local Government Minister Jim McMahon indicated that elections could be delayed in regions undergoing reorganisation, particularly if a council is set to cease existing within the elected term.
Cancelling elections in some areas of the country where Reform are gaining momentum is the act of a desperate government.
They have the audacity to call us a “threat to democracy” whilst they act like third world dictators.
Farage argues that these postponements are a politically motivated attempt to impede Reform UK's growing momentum.
Addressing his 2.1 million followers on X, the Reform leader wrote: “Cancelling elections in areas where Reform are gaining momentum is the act of a desperate government.
“They have the audacity to call us a ‘threat to democracy’ while acting like third-world dictators.”
Commenting on the post, X owner Elon Musk, said: "Indeed."
The Government maintains that the postponements are necessary to facilitate the smooth implementation of the proposed structural changes, ensuring that newly formed authorities can function effectively without the immediate pressure of elections.
Labour insists that the restructuring isn't politically motivated, rather, it's designed to enhance devolution and streamline administrative structures.
Local Government Minister Jim McMahon on Monday said the “assumption” is that elections will go ahead.
But he added: “It’s usual that when a council makes a request for reorganisation, if there are elections taking place to a council that essentially won’t exist within the term of those elections, then you hold off the elections.”
Lee Anaderson claims the changes are a naked attempt to undermine democratic processes.
PA
Despite these assurances, the debate continues to rage over the balance between administrative efficiency and thwarting democratic processes.
Reform MP Lee Anderson said: “When they can’t beat you at the ballot box they take the ballot box away.
“This is not some South American military regime.”
Reform points out that the proposed restructuring mainly affects the South East of England, such as in Kent and Essex, where the party is expected to make big gains in May.
Two out of five of its elected MPs serve constituencies in Essex, with recent by-election results suggesting the county could turn light blue at the next General Election.
In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said: “We have announced an ambitious programme of local government reorganisation which will take power from Westminster to the people who know their communities best as part of our plans to unlock devolution across the whole of England.
“Putting power in the right places so that local leaders are fully equipped to drive growth will put more money into people’s pockets. Many councils have also said that these reforms will also help strengthen local leadership, boost local accountability and save taxpayers’ money which can be reinvested into vital public services.”
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