Elections to go ahead – message from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils

As you may have already seen or heard, this afternoon Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has withdrawn his decision to postpone the council elections of 30 local councils due to take place in May 2026. This means that both Suffolk County Council (SDCC) and Ipswich Borough Council elections will go ahead as scheduled.

We attach the Secretary of State’s letter in full for your information.260216 MHCLG SoS to Council Leaders

There will undoubtedly be headlines and reaction to this news, with both of our council leaders previously making their views clear that they felt the postponement of the elections were unnecessary and damaging to local democracy. This news, however, does not change anything as far as Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are concerned.  Our elections team took the precaution of continuing to make preparations, and remain ready and able to deliver the elections for SCC Council within our districts as planned.

Please look out for further election information rolling out to our residents and communities over coming weeks as part of our usual process – and we will keep everyone fully updated of any developments in relation to Local Government Reorganisation in the meantime.