British democracy under attack as more local elections cancelled

British democracy is under a “disgraceful attack” by Labour as dozens of local elections have been cancelled protecting councillors from being voted out.

More than 20 councils have confirmed they are postponing their May elections after more than a third asking for the local elections to be cancelled for the second year running, meaning councillors will have been in office for seven years without being re-elected.

If there are “genuine concerns” the government will allow councils to postpone the elections which comes as councils are facing restructuring to abolish some district councils.

The electoral commission has suggested the councils restructuring does not allow the “exceptional circumstances” to allow postponement.

James Cleverly, the shadow local government secretary, said, “It cannot be right that some elected representatives will now be serving seven-year terms. Residents have a right to choose who represents them, and the Government must respect that right.

“Labour are denying democracy and running scared of voters’ verdict on their appalling leadership. Having promised elections would go ahead, they have U-turned again.

“We voted against delaying elections last year and we will do so again. Democracy must prevail and voters must be able to make their voices heard.”

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said, “We must never allow this to happen again. The law should be changed so that ministers cannot simply delay elections at the stroke of a pen.

“MPs should also be given a vote over future election delays and a chance to properly hold the Government to account.”