Council leader responds to Minister of State on 2026 Norfolk County Council elections

 

Councillor Carl Smith
Leader of the Council
Town Hall
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 2QF

Date : 08/01/2026

Address :
Alison McGovern MP
Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Email : [email protected]

Dear Minister McGovern,

RE: Consultation re Local Government Election in May 2026

I am writing in response to your correspondence dated 18 December 2025 sent to Council Leaders, requesting feedback from local government representatives in areas affected by proposed Local Government Reorganisation, specifically regarding the potential postponement of the Norfolk County Council elections scheduled for May 2026.

After careful consideration and consultation with our Chief Executive and Returning Officer, I wish to make clear that Great Yarmouth Borough Council does not endorse the Government's suggestion to defer these elections. Our assessment finds that the rationale, primarily concerns about capacity due to ongoing Local Government Reorganisation does not justify disrupting the established democratic cycle.

Our council's experience in managing comprehensive electoral events, including district, county, and parliamentary polls, demonstrates that we possess the necessary resources and expertise to conduct the Norfolk County Council elections on the planned date without undue strain. The systems and teams in place are robust and have consistently delivered successful outcomes, aside from the unique demands of election day and the subsequent count.

Moreover, postponing the elections could inadvertently introduce greater operational complexity. Should the delay proceed, there is a significant risk of multiple by-elections arising from resignations among current County Councillors before November 2027. This scenario would require repeated mobilisation of resources and could prove more disruptive than holding the elections as scheduled.

Extending the terms of sitting councillors to potentially seven years raises concerns about democratic accountability. Residents deserve regular opportunities to influence local governance, especially during periods of substantial change.

In summary, our council firmly recommends that the elections be held in May 2026 as scheduled. We do not endorse the Government's proposal to postpone the Norfolk County Council Elections planned for May 2026. We believe this approach best serves the principles of local democracy and ensures our community retains its vital voice in shaping the future of local government.

Yours sincerely

Carl Smith
Leader, Great Yarmouth Borough Council