District Council Agrees May 2026 Elections Should Go Ahead As Planned

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has agreed to ask government that the May 2026 local elections should go ahead as scheduled. 

The decision was made at a Special Meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 14 January 2026, following a request from the government for councils involved in local government reorganisation proposals to provide their views on whether elections should be postponed. 

While Huntingdonshire is currently preparing for potential changes to local government structures, councillors agreed that holding elections in May 2026 is important to maintain democratic accountability and ensure residents continue to have an active voice in decisions affecting their communities. 

A report to Full Council acknowledged the significant work involved in progressing local government reorganisation but concluded that this could be managed alongside the statutory requirements of delivering local elections. 

Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "Elections are a vital part of local democracy. While we recognise the challenges associated with local government reorganisation, the council believes it is important that residents retain the opportunity to elect their representatives in 2026, ensuring strong democratic oversight during a period of change.  

"The council continues its work on LGR following the submission of its proposal, known locally as Option E, which seeks to replace the current two-tier system with three new unitary authorities, including a standalone Huntingdonshire authority."

The council informed the government of its position by 15 January 2026, in line with the timetable set out by the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness. The government will make a final decision after considering submissions from affected councils across the country. 

Town and parish council elections in 2026 are not impacted and will go ahead as planned.

Source:  Huntingdon District Council, press release 14th Jan 2026