Following yesterday’s debate (18 December 2025) in the House of Commons, Colchester City Council welcomes the opportunity to engage with government on election planning during Local Government Reorganisation.
Our position is clear: elections scheduled for May 2026 must go ahead. This was agreed unanimously across all parties at a recent Full Council meeting and communicated to the Secretary of State.
Colchester is fully prepared to deliver those elections while managing Local Government Reorganisation, and we remain committed to upholding democratic accountability.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “Colchester City Council has already taken a clear and united stance on this issue. Earlier this month, councillors from all parties agreed that elections scheduled for May 2026 must go ahead as planned, and I have formally communicated that position to the Secretary of State.
“Yesterday’s statement in the House of Commons about contacting council leaders to discuss capacity during Local Government Reorganisation is welcome. We are confident in our ability to deliver those elections while managing the reorganisation process, and we will make that clear when approached.
“Our message remains consistent: Colchester is prepared, committed, and ready to hold elections in 2026. That decision was made collectively and will not change.”