Petition Launched Following Outrageous Attempt to Suspend Elections

Following the leader of Worcestershire County Council asking for the Government to halt the elections due to take place in May this year, Bromsgrove's Liberal Democrats have launched a petition to 'Let Worcestershire Vote!'

Worcestershire County Council is currently run by Conservative councillors, with the last election taking place in 2021 and the next election scheduled for 1st May this year. 

In an unprecedented move, leader Councillor Simon Geraghty wrote to the Secretary of State for Local Government to ask that the election be cancelled so that the Council can reform itself into a unitary council and abolish the six district councils within Worcestershire.

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. 

Moreover, there is not a consensus between Worcestershire County Council and all the six district councils as to what form a new unitary council will take and where it will cover.

Liberal Democrat councillors in Bromsgrove have launched a petition to ask that the elections go ahead as scheduled. Councillor Sam Evans, who represents Slideslow on Bromsgrove District Council commented: "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."

Councillor 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."

Residents are encouraged to sign the petition calling for the elections to go ahead this year. The link to the petition is found here: https://www.libdemsbromsgrove.org.uk/news/article/default-c565949ae37116646493701e555e0bc0