Reform's James McMurdock and Nigel Farage have written to Essex County Council demanding answers after learning that local elections may be cancelled.
MP James McMurdock posted to X:
Transparency and accountability are the foundations of democracy.
@Nigel_Farage and I have written to Essex County Council to demand answers on the shocking proposal to postpone May 2025 local elections.
Our constituents deserve better.
The letter in full:
Cllr Kevin Bentley County Hall Market Road Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A OAA
Re: Cancellation of Local Elections in May 2025
Dear Cllr Bentley,
10 January 2025
We are writing to you as Essex MPs regarding the upcoming Essex County Council meeting on Friday, 10th January 2025, where we understand the council will discuss and vote on postponing the May 2025 local elections.
The decision to extend the current council's term in office, without public consultation or a democratic mandate, has understandably caused significant concern among our constituents. We write to seek clarification on this matter and to understand the rationale for such a significant departure from democratic norms.
Can you please address the following questions:
1. Why are local elections deemed incompatible with progressing the government's devolution plans?
2. What specific legal or procedural barriers prevent Essex from proceeding with both devolution and local elections?
3. What public consultation has been conducted to gauge the views of Essex residents on postponing elections?
4. How does this decision align with the principles of local democracy, particularly during a period of such significant structural change?
5. Was the electorate in 2021 informed that their elected representatives' terms might be extended without a vote?
6. How long will the extension of terms be, and what guarantee exists that new elections will not be further delayed?
7. What is the anticipated cost of implementing the government's devolution plans, and how does this compare to the cost of holding elections as scheduled?
8. What consideration has been given to alternative approaches that would maintain the integrity of the electoral process while progressing with devolution?
9. Will Essex County Council commit to briefing all Essex MPs ahead of submitting any request to cancel the elections?
10. If the council does not request a postponement, does the government intend to cancel the elections regardless?
Elections are the foundation of a functioning democracy, and their postponement must be justified by compelling reasons, supported by meaningful public consultation, and subject to robust safeguards. While devolution offers opportunities for governance reform, it should not come at the expense of democratic accountability.
We urge you to ensure that the principles of transparency and public trust are prioritized in this process. We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely.
James McMurdock MP South Basildon & East Thurrock
Nigel Farage MP Clacton
https://twitter.com/JamesReform/status/1879517516047044638
