Overnight, it became apparent that the Labour Government was yet again seeking to postpone local elections, clearly undermining the legitimacy of local decision-makers and further eroding public confidence in their elected officials.
This constitutional change is a full U-turn on the Government’s previous position, as they deny the people of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Sussex the chance to choose their mayor next year. While this doesn’t affect my constituents directly, it sends a worrying message that the Government is prepared to manipulate our electoral system when it suits them. As a Shadow Minister, I was eager to scrutinise the Government in the House of Commons on this issue.
With no statement from the Minister scheduled, I secured an Urgent Question today to ask why the Government feels the need to deny millions their democratic voice.
