GB News host Ellie Costello tore into a Labour MP over postponed local elections, accusing the Government of “running scared of the electorate” in what she branded a “disgraceful attack on democracy”.
Challenging Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Ellie said at least 27 councils are set to delay elections, meaning around four million people would be denied the right to vote.
“It’s being described as a disgraceful attack on democracy and it’s hard not to reach that conclusion,” she said, asking: “Are you running scared of the electorate?”
Mr Streeting pushed back, insisting Labour is not afraid of voters and said the right to vote is “fundamental”, arguing any delays must be a last resort and properly justified.
Wes Streeting responded: “No. And look, I understand why people scrutinise a decision like this, because the right to vote is a fundamental one, and any delays should always be a last resort and need to be justified to the electorate.
“We don’t want to set precedents for abuse of our democracy in the future.
“Bear in mind, we are having a major local government reorganisation.
“Some of the councils that have opted not to call elections are actually being abolished. So it doesn’t make much sense to go through the cost and expense of electing people to a body that will no longer exist.
Ellie Costello tore into Wes Streeting as she asked ‘are you scared?’
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GB NEWS
“The councils choosing not to go ahead with elections and setting out why to their own communities come from a range of political parties as well. So this isn’t a party political thing.”
The Government is poised to call off at least 27 council elections, sparing hundreds of councillors from facing the voters.
The Conservatives and Reform UK have accused Sir Keir Starmer of “running scared” as polling suggests Labour support is slumping.
Nigel Farage’s party is set to launch a judicial review on Thursday in a bid to force the elections to proceed.
The Prime Minister is invoking a little-used provision in the Local Government Act 2000, which allows ministers to postpone scheduled votes.
Wes Streeting said that ‘we are having a major local Government reorganisation’
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GB NEWS
More than 20 councils have already confirmed election delays, with three-quarters of them Labour-run.
Another seven Labour councils are expected to follow, potentially disenfranchising a total of 3.7 million people.
Some councils will skip elections for a second consecutive year, meaning councillors could remain in office for seven years without facing voters.
The Government argues the power is necessary to allow councils undergoing major restructuring such as district council abolitions and the introduction of mayoralties to postpone elections if needed.
But the independent watchdog, the Electoral Commission, has suggested these circumstances do not meet the threshold of “exceptional” needed to justify delaying elections.
James Cleverly, shadow Local Government Secretary, told The Telegraph: “It is unacceptable for some elected representatives to serve seven-year terms.
“Residents have a right to choose who represents them, and the Government must respect that.
“Labour are undermining democracy and running scared of voters’ judgment on their disastrous leadership.
“After promising elections would go ahead, they have performed yet another U-turn. We opposed delays last year and will oppose them again.
“Democracy must come first, and voters must have their say.”