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.
Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party have stolen the political headlines this week. Remarkably, the newly found party are already ahead of the Liberal Democrats in the most seats betting market.
Recent trends indicate that parties like the Green Party of England and Wales and Reform UK have been making significant inroads in areas that have traditionally leaned toward Labour. Political analysts suggest that this shift reflects a fragmentation of the centre-left and right-wing protest voting dynamics in urban constituencies.
Incumbent governments quite often get results like that mid-term, but I do understand that voters are frustrated, they're impatient for change. I came into politics late in life, as it happens, to fight for change for those people need it. The people who need an NHS that works for them, to be able to doctors appointment when they need it, to get the money they need in their pockets to pay their bills, and to have decent and better life.