Huntingdonshire District Council backs holding May 2026 local elections

Huntingdonshire District Council has confirmed it will ask the Government for the May 2026 local elections to go ahead as scheduled.

The decision was taken at a Special Meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 14 January, following a request from the Government for councils involved in local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals to provide their views on whether elections should be postponed.

While the district is preparing for potential changes to local government structures, councillors agreed that holding elections in May 2026 is important to maintain democratic accountability and ensure residents continue to have an active voice in decisions affecting their communities.

A report to Full Council noted the significant work involved in progressing LGR but concluded this could be managed alongside the statutory requirements of running local elections.

Councillor Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said:

“Elections are a vital part of local democracy. While we recognise the challenges associated with local government reorganisation, the council believes it is important that residents retain the opportunity to elect their representatives in 2026, ensuring strong democratic oversight during a period of change.”

Huntingdonshire’s LGR proposal, known locally as Option E, seeks to replace the current two-tier system with three new unitary authorities, including a standalone Huntingdonshire authority.

The council informed the Government of its position by 15 January, in line with the timetable set by the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness. The Government will now consider submissions from affected councils across the country before making a final decision.

Town and parish council elections in 2026 will not be affected and will go ahead as planned.

Cllr Stephen Ferguson, who was at the meeting and voted last night, told Black Cat Radio why the vote was necessary.