Jacob Rees-Mogg blasts Tory decision that has ‘played into Nigel Farage’s hands’ as row erupts
Local election cancellations have played into Nigel Farage and Reform UK’s hands, according to former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Speaking on GB News, Jacob lamented decisions taken by local authorities like Essex County Council who argue cancellations are necessary to allow for a major shake-up to local government.
But the former Tory chairman still harbours ‘grave concerns’ about the move which will see millions being denied of a vote.
“This is crazy of the Conservatives to go along with cancelling elections, this is really bad politics”, he said on GB News.
“It plays into Nigel Farage’s hands, saying ‘you’re all the uni-party’ and ‘you’re concerned Reform will do well’.
“The Tories should be gasping for elections. Nine million voters, who will look at this shambolic Labour Government should want to vote Conservative if we’re campaigning properly.
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“We should say ‘bring it on’. I cannot believe that Conservative councillors are going along with cancelling elections. I also think devolution is nonsense, but that’s a slightly separate issue.”
It comes after Essex County Council voted to abolish itself and 14 other councils in Essex as part of a major local government reorganisation.
The plan, backed by both Conservative and Labour councillors, will see the creation of new “super” unitary authorities and an elected mayor of Essex.
The council will request postponement of elections scheduled for May 2025.
Council Leader Kevin Bentley called it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity”, noting the £2.5 million cost of holding elections could hamper reform efforts.
The changes would see a new mayoral strategic authority established in April 2026, with the first mayoral election in May 2026.
Meanwhile, on the Isle of Wight, a petition protesting potential election cancellations has gathered over 500 signatures.
The petition, started by Ventnor resident David Allen, opposes plans to create a new Combined Authority with Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet has approved a proposal to seek a 12-month postponement of Island elections, including town, parish and community councils.
Council leader Phil Jordan says the move would help secure the Island’s inclusion in the government’s fast-track devolution programme.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has branded the election postponements “an act of pure cowardice” and “a denial of democracy”.
Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve local government, services and outcomes in Essex.
“Devolution and reorganisation is the best chance we have to rethink our system and bring more power into the hands of local people. It also gives us the best chance of offering decent public services at a price taxpayers can afford.
“This is a significant step in our county’s future. Together with our colleagues at Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, we are embarking on a journey that will transform Essex for the better.”