RUGBY Borough Council’s (RBC) decision to request the postponement of local elections in May has been ‘misrepresented for political purposes’ by opponents, the council’s leader says.
The council’s Conservative Group has described the Labour administration’s decision to ask the government to cancel the elections as ‘an attack on local democracy’.
But the Labour Group says the decision was taken with regret, following open debate in public, and in response to a formal request from the Secretary of State.
RBC’s Cabinet agreed to ask for the postponement in response to a government request ahead of a planned local government reorganisation (LGR) in 2027, under which all councils in Warwickshire would be replaced by either one or two new unitary authorities.
The government made the request amid concern about the capacities of councils to run the May elections alongside LGR – as well as the cost to taxpayers of holding elections for councils such as RBC that are due to be abolished in 2028.
RBC’s Cabinet says the postponement would ‘release essential capacity to deliver local government reorganisation’.
But the Conservative Group claimed the council was ‘fully capable of delivering a lawful and transparent election using existing staff and resources’.
Group leader Coun Derek Poole said: “I and the Conservative Group believe that the right to vote, and the ability of residents to pass judgement on those in power, is fundamental to democracy – and I speak as someone who has been on the receiving end of that judgement.”
Coun Adrian Warwick, Leader of the Conservative Group at Warwickshire County Council said the move was ‘deeply concerning’.
He added: “It is insulting for the Cabinet to show such clear contempt for the democratic process and for the people of Rugby, and we will continue to oppose any attempt to deny residents their right to vote.”
Council leader Coun Michael Moran said the decision was not taken lightly, nor welcomed by the Cabinet.
He added: “Elections are a vital part of local democracy. That is precisely why it is disappointing to hear criticism from the Conservative Group, who only last year asked – in secret and without public debate – for all Warwickshire County Council elections to be cancelled.
“RBC is dealing with an exceptionally demanding and immediate workload linked to LGR. We have been asked directly for our view, just as every other council has been, and we have responded openly, transparently and with regret. Government will make the final decision.
“Our focus has to be on putting Rugby in the strongest possible position, not on short-term political point-scoring. I am aware of councils of all political colours making similar requests at this time.
“This is a short, proportionate and transparent response to a government request, taken in the open and focused on securing the best possible future for Rugby residents. It is regrettable that this has been misrepresented for political purposes.”
