The Leader of Braintree District Council has written to the Minister requesting an early decision on whether elections across Greater Essex will proceed in May 2026.
The Leader of Braintree District Council has written to the Minister requesting an early decision on whether elections across Greater Essex will proceed in May 2026, so that councils can plan effectively and maintain momentum on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Although Braintree District Council does not have district-level elections scheduled this May, the council is responsible for administering any elections held within the district. Preparations are already underway to deliver elections for the eight Essex County Council divisions that fall within the Braintree district, with the council confident in its readiness to serve voters.
The council’s letter underlines that postponing or proceeding with elections is a decision for central government but stresses the implications for the LGR delivery programme if not managed.
The council reiterates its full support for the government’s policy of LGR in Greater Essex and for the once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape public services. It asks the Minister to confirm, at the earliest opportunity, whether elections in Greater Essex will be held in May 2026 and to provide a minded-to decision on the preferred option for local government structures.
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “We share the government’s ambitions for Local Government Reorganisation and the benefits a simpler, more effective structure can deliver for our residents and businesses. To keep the programme on track, councils need early clarity on May’s elections and on the framework for Shadow Authority elections in 2027. We are fully prepared to deliver the Essex County Council divisional elections in our area, and we will continue to work closely with partners to manage the risks of this highly complex programme.”
The letter has been published online.