By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2025-01-14 09:31:04 | Updated at 2025-01-14 22:49:10
13 hours ago
A Reform UK councillor has lashed out at his Tory and Labour counterparts after a row erupted during a meeting in Essex.
Video footage shows Jaymey McIvor being heckled and jeered as he unfurled a Union Jack flag.
Speaking on GB News, McIvor told Martin Daubney he was left frustrated by Essex County Council voting in favour of cancelling elections in May in order to concentrate on a major shake-up of local government.
Reform UK representatives like Nigel Farage have lashed out at local elections up and down the country being scrapped, claiming the Tories and Labour are running scared of the populist party.
Jaymey McIvor appeared on GB News
GB NEWS
“So many people are going to be denied the chance to vote and I think it’s a last minute decision.
“We’re just months away from long-standing local elections and thousands of people in Essex have signed a petition saying they want to vote.
“To laugh at those people is one thing, to laugh as I unwrap our country’s flag, which I feel is a symbol of freedom and democracy and political accountability, it’s just so sad.”
Following the meeting, Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend Council wrote to the Government to confirm they are committed to plans to reorganise local councils in the area.
Martin Daubney spoke to McIvor on GB News
GB NEWS
The decision, supported by both Conservative and Labour councillors, comes as the council moves forward with devolution plans alongside Thurrock Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Reform Councillor Jaymey McIvor branded the move "cowardly," suggesting the major parties were using local government reform as an excuse to avoid facing voters.
Council Leader Kevin Bentley defended the decision, citing the £2.5 million cost of holding elections for seats that would only last two years.
The reorganisation plans would see Essex County Council and 12 district and borough councils replaced by new "super authorities" responsible for populations of at least 500,000.
These unitary authorities would manage services from social care to bin collections, alongside a directly elected mayor for a new Greater Essex Combined Authority.
"For me, this is about people, not politics," said Council Leader Kevin Bentley. "I didn't once go into party politics and a political stance, I went into what is good for the people of Essex."
The changes would see a mayoral strategic authority established by April 2026, with shadow councils potentially elected in May 2027 before full implementation in 2028.
Essex County Council has been approached for comment.
