Victory for Democracy as Pendle Polls Go Ahead

Victory for Democracy as Pendle Polls Go Ahead

Reform Lancashire is pleased to confirm that the Pendle elections will go ahead, despite determined attempts to deny residents their democratic rights. This is a victory for local people and for democracy.

It is deeply worrying that other councils in Lancashire have had their elections postponed, including Burnley Borough Council, Chorley Borough Council and West Lancashire Borough Council, just to name a few. These authorities should be ashamed of themselves, and it is clear Labour is running scared of facing Reform at the ballot box. British people value democracy and will not forget this betrayal.

In November, County Councillor Tom Lord moved a motion condemning the government’s refusal to rule out cancelling elections. The motion called for firm assurances that elections would not be cancelled and demanded the repeal of Section 87 of the Local Government Act 2000, which allows ministers to cancel elections without parliamentary debate.

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County Councillor Tom Lord said:

^{“I was insulted when the government cited ‘cost’ as a reason to delay the elections in May, because many brave men and women paid the ultimate cost between 1939 and 1945 to ensure freedom from tyranny and that democracy was maintained. No price can be placed on democracy. This Labour government is desperate to cling on to power by any means.”}

Leader of Lancashire County Council, Stephen Atkinson, said:

^{“The Reform administration at Lancashire County Council is in full support of Reform UK’s judicial review to ensure elections proceed. We will always defend democracy and stand up for voters.”}