BROMSGROVE Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling for the Worcestershire County Council elections to go ahead as planned in May.
It comes after the leader of Worcestershire County Council, Coun Simon Geraghty, wrote to the Secretary of State for Local Government to ask for the poll to be withdrawn from the calendar.
Instead he wants the county council to be given time to reform itself into a unitary authority, abolishing the six district councils across Worcestershire.
How the system works currently
Currently, the county council runs some services and the rest are operated by the district, borough and city councils – Bromsgrove District, Wyre Forest District, Redditch Borough, Wychavon District (Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore) and Worcester City Council.
The last Worcestershire County Council election was held in 2021 and the next one should be on May 1.
The Lib Dems, launching their ‘Let Worcestershire Vote’ campaign, believe the letter was sent to the Government by the leader without councillors being allowed to vote on the matter or for a debate to take place in the council chamber.
The party also claim there in not a consensus between Worcestershire County Council and all the six district councils as to what form a new unitary council would take and where it would cover.
The Liberal Democrat councillors in Bromsgrove’s petition asks for the elections go ahead as scheduled on May 1.
Lib Dems label the move ‘undemocratic’
Coun Sam Evans, who represents Slideslow on Bromsgrove District Council, said: “Attempts to stop the elections from taking place with just a few months to go are shocking.
“Residents should be allowed to hold the council to account for decisions that it has taken since the last elections nearly four years ago.”
Coun Josh Robinson, who sits on both Worcestershire County Council and Bromsgrove District Council, added: “Councillors were elected in 2021 with a four year term.
“It is not right that our terms are extended without a democratic mandate.
“There are undoubtedly reforms that should take place to ensure that our councils deliver in the best way for residents, but a democratic mandate should be sought for these reforms with both residents and councillors allowed to have their say.”
As part of the Government’s plans to reform local government, councils across the country have been asked to put forward proposals for reorganising two-tier areas by March.
Coun Geraghty claims without the postponement of elections, there would be a significant period where plans could not progress.
The Lib Dems are encouraging residents to sign the petition calling for the elections to go ahead this year.
Click here for more on the petition and to sign it.
