Ministers are considering a plea from a number of Conservative leaders to postpone county council elections because of the forthcoming shake-up of local councils and the creation of elected mayors in areas such as Norfolk and Suffolk. Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council(Image: Norfolk County Council)Kay Mason Billig, Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, said she has not sought a delay, but it is understood other Tory leaders in Conservative-held county councils are "lobbying hard" for one. A meeting of Norfolk County Council(Image: Dan Grimmer)The elections would be held in the transition year ahead of the creation of a new council or councils which would replace the current eight in Norfolk through Labour's local government reorganisation. Seeking certainty, but not a delay, says council leaderKay Mason Billig, Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, said she had written to local government secretary Steve Reed last month seeking an early indication as to whether there would be County Hall elections next year - but had not specifically requested a delay. First candidates announcedDespite the uncertainty, the Conservatives have started to announce their candidates for the 2026 county council elections - should they go ahead.

Source: The Times October 27, 2025 06:02 UTC