Tories cry foul as overhaul of English councils may delay local elections

Labour’s changes to local government may postpone votes in areas Conservatives and Reform UK were hoping to win seats

Local elections for some English councils are likely to be delayed next year as a result of the government’s plans to scrap district councils, officials have indicated.

Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, announced plans for a sweeping overhaul of local government on Monday as part of what ministers say is the biggest devolution of political power this century.