Claim:
Keir Starmer’s government plans to cancel local council elections in May 2025, marking the first such instance since World War II, signaling a dictatorship in Britain.
Verdict:
Misleading. The government’s proposed reforms may result in the postponement of some local elections but not their cancellation. Additionally, similar delays have occurred more recently than World War II, such as in 2021.
The Claim:
A viral Facebook post alleged that UK local council elections in May 2025 would be entirely canceled due to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s proposed devolution reforms, framing the move as an unprecedented step toward dictatorship.
Fact-Check Analysis:
- Government Plans on Devolution:
Angela Rayner announced on December 16, 2024, plans for local government reorganisation. The reforms aim to empower regional mayors and improve governance in underperforming councils. The government’s white paper allows councils to propose delays in local elections to facilitate a smoother transition. - Public Records and Statements:
- Ministerial Clarification: Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government, confirmed in parliament that elections may be delayed by a year but denied any mass cancellations.
- Rayner’s Statement: Angela Rayner emphasized that any postponement would result from local council decisions and would not exceed a year.
- Historical Context:
Claims of this being unprecedented since World War II are false. In 2021, elections in Cumbria, Somerset, and North Yorkshire were postponed due to reorganisation and later held in May 2022.
Context:
The viral claim coincides with widespread discussion of devolution reforms. The reforms aim to address governance inefficiencies, granting more power to local authorities while restructuring councils in underperforming regions.
Conclusion:
The claim that local elections will be entirely canceled is misleading. The government’s devolution plans could result in postponements, not cancellations, of some elections. This is not unprecedented, as similar delays occurred in 2021.
Verdict: Misleading
