Devon County Council to debate election delay proposal

Devon county councillors will meet this week to debate a proposal to delay this year’s scheduled elections.

Bobby Angelov www.midweekherald.co.uk

The Government’s plan to postpone elections in up to 64 local councils has sparked criticism in Devon, where it has been described as “incredibly dangerous” and undemocratic by the county council.

Councillor Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council, said: “Government ministers are putting political self-interest first, rather than democracy.”

The proposal, set to be debated by Devon County Council on Friday, January 9, has been justified by the Government as necessary due to ongoing local government reorganisation.

Ministers argue that delays are needed to ensure a “smooth and safe transition to new councils,” as affected authorities may be abolished or restructured in the near future.

Councillor Brazil said: “The Government says delaying elections will free up resources to work on reorganisation, but councils, in Devon, that’s Plymouth City Council and Exeter City Council, have elections almost every year.

“They are routine and resourced for, unlike reorganisation, which is rushed, wasting millions of pounds, and disrupting services.”

He warned that cancelling elections is reminiscent of anti-democratic practices elsewhere.

Cllr Brazil said: “Cancelling the opportunity for people to have their say in elections is right out of the Putin school of politics.”

Plymouth City Council has already confirmed its elections will go ahead as planned in May.

Councillor Brazil said it would be a “disgrace” if Exeter residents were denied the chance to choose their representatives.

It’s hoped there will be consensus across the groups to stand united in opposition to the Government’s proposal during the debate at County Hall in Exeter.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, leader of the Green and Independent Group, said: “Democracy, which lies at the heart of managing our public services can only be truly representative by a fair election process.

“Changing the rules to simply suit a government’s whim undermines public faith in politics.

“These elections in Exeter and Plymouth need to go ahead as scheduled.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Leader of the council’s Conservative group, said: “I stand firmly with Cllr Brazil on this matter and completely agree with him – the elections need to go ahead.

“There is no justification for postponing them and denying our citizens their democratic right to have a say on who runs their council.”

The full council meeting will take place at County Hall, Exeter, on Friday at 11am.