Developing democracy and future leaders
As we begin the year, the decision to delay some of the local elections has given many of us pause for thought.
elections
Postponed elections subvert democracy
Postponed elections subvert democracy.
Undermining the established order
Last year established a new record for the rate at which by-election seats are changing hands.
Ready for more gains in May
Last year, the Liberal Democrats won the most council by-elections across the UK.
Multi-party politics
The new multi-party politics is having a noticeable impact on the proportion of seats changing hands and the low share of the vote often needed for victory.
Robust support
Local by-elections continue to see Reform UK mainly, but not exclusively, progress against both main parties. Volatility abounds, with 16 of 35 seats changing hands.
Election registration reforms announced
People who abuse election candidates and campaigners will face tougher sentences, and candidates’ addresses will not be published, in reforms set out in a government elections strategy paper.
Turnover accelerating
The 1 May elections saw hundreds of seats changing hands, but recent by-elections show turnover accelerating; of 23 recent by-elections, 61 per cent resulted in the defending party being defeated.
A new multi-party system
The council elections on 1 May opened a fissure in the pattern of local government in England.