In response to the Government's suggestion on December 18 that local councils may not have the capacity to hold local elections in May 2026, as well as delivering vital reforms as part of the Local Government Reorganisation programme, Leader of Horsham District Council Councillor Martin Boffey has formally written to Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness Alison McGovern.
"Dear Minister McGovern
I am writing to express my disappointment at your recent suggestion that the forthcoming elections to West Sussex County Council may need to be postponed due to alleged “concerns about capacity” arising from their delivery alongside local government reorganisation.
I am concerned that this assertion does not accurately reflect the respective roles of local authorities in administering elections. As you will be aware, local government elections in two tier areas are delivered by District and Borough Councils acting as election administrators, not by County Councils. In the case of Horsham District Council, I can confirm that no such capacity issues exist, and we are fully capable of delivering the County Council elections in line with the established electoral timetable.
The implication that administrative constraints at local level necessitate postponement risks undermining confidence in the electoral process and, more importantly, misrepresents the preparedness and professionalism of District and Borough Councils across West Sussex. It also risks setting an unwelcome precedent whereby democratic processes are delayed without clear or compelling justification.
I therefore ask that you reconsider the suggestion that the postponement of the West Sussex County Council elections is required on the grounds of electoral delivery capacity. I would also urge you to correct the public record to reflect the fact that responsibility for election administration in two tier areas lies with District and Borough Councils.
The right to vote is precious, and is something that both Officers and Members of Horsham District Council take very seriously. We stand ready to work constructively with the Government on any reforms to local government structures, but would never allow this to come at the expense of timely and accountable democratic elections.
Councillor Martin Boffey
Leader of Horsham District Council"