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Local Government: Reorganisation

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 12 January 2026UIN 102387

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with refence to his Department's oral statement of 18 December 2025 on Local Government Reorganisation, Official Report col 1130, what plans he has to ensure that councillors whose democratic mandates have expired are accountable to the electorate if their elections are cancelled again.

Answered by Alison McGovern

In the event of a delay to a local election, provision to extend existing councillors’ terms of office would be made so that they retain their legal powers and responsibilities. Existing councillors have all been elected so have a democratic mandate. This is in line with previous postponements of local election.

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