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Why local election U-turn could be even worse for the Tories than Labour

'A victory for democracy', says Nigel Farage over the Government's election U-turn

The government's reversal of plans to postpone local elections in 30 areas is expected to hit the Conservatives harder than Labour, according to polling expert Sir John Curtice.
Sir John noted that while more Labour-controlled councils had initially opted for postponement, four large Conservative-majority county councils (Norfolk, Suffolk, East and West Sussex) must now organise ballots.
These Conservative-held councils are in areas where Nigel Farage's Reform UK poses a significant threat, potentially leading to a repeat of their breakthrough in last year's local elections.
The government was forced to reverse the postponement decision after being warned it would be illegal, marking another U-turn.
The Electoral Commission, opposition parties, and local authority leaders criticised the delays, with some councils expressing frustration over wasted time and planning difficulties.