"The alternative may, however, have been even more embarrassing for the government. Imagine their legal arguments being picked apart in court, perhaps a judge criticising their actions, and even Nigel Farage celebrating a major win in front of TV cameras on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice. Allies of Local Government Secretary Steve Reed - who is ultimately responsible for this reversal - argue that their approach shifted because the legal advice changed. But they won't explain how."
"'We're trying to make policy while live legal advice is fed in,' says one official. 'It's never going to be perfect.' It seems highly likely that ministers were warned that they might lose Reform's court challenge. Even though the case is now not going ahead, the government still faces a significant lawyers' bill, as well as having to pick up Reform's legal costs which are reported to be more than 100,000."
Keir Starmer and his team anticipated that a U-turn on delaying council elections was inevitable and would be politically painful. Ministers expected Nigel Farage to portray the reversal as a victory after relenting ahead of an imminent legal challenge from Reform UK. Allies of Local Government Secretary Steve Reed say the approach shifted because legal advice changed, though they offered no details. The government likely faced a substantial risk of losing in court and now must cover significant legal bills and Reform's reported costs exceeding 100,000. Councils must run complex multi-ward elections with just two and a half months' notice, raising concerns about voter confusion and calls to publish legal advice.
Read at www.bbc.com
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