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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Kiran Stacey Policy editor

What made ministers think they could delay local elections in England?

Steve Reed Angela Rayner Matthew Pennycook Downing Street
Airedale terrier next to a sign saying 'Polling station'
Venues used as polling stations will have to be rebooked at short notice after the U-turn by the government. Photograph: Niall Cook/PA

Ministers have abandoned their proposals to delay local elections in 30 English councils after finding they were likely to lose a legal case on the issue. Announced on Monday, the U-turn was made by the housing minister, Matthew Pennycook, after his boss, the housing secretary, Steve Reed, recused himself from the decision.


The chain of events has raised several questions about government decision-making that officials are refusing to answer.

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