Huntingdonshire to go ahead with local elections in 2026

Huntingdonshire District Council has decided to proceed with local elections in 2026, saying it is important to maintain democratic accountability while Local Government Reorganisation continues; nearby councils have taken different approaches.

Huntingdonshire District Council has decided to go ahead with local elections in 2026. Councillors were presented with a report that acknowledged the significant work involved in Local Government Reorganisation. The report said it was important to maintain democratic accountability during the period of change. The council is run by a coalition of Liberal Democrats, Labour, Independents and the Green Party. Key facts: - Huntingdonshire District Council will hold local elections in 2026, the council said. - A report to councillors acknowledged "significant work" on Local Government Reorganisation while stressing the need to maintain democratic accountability. - Liberal Democrat executive leader Sarah Conboy said elections are a vital part of local democracy and that residents should be able to elect their representatives in 2026. - Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire councils have also said they intend to hold elections, while Peterborough City Council asked for a postponement. - A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said some councils told the department that elections could derail plans to create strengthened unitary authorities by 2028. Summary: The council's decision preserves the scheduled opportunity for Huntingdonshire residents to vote in 2026 while Local Government Reorganisation proceeds, and it adds to differing approaches across neighbouring councils. Undetermined at this time.