Different treatment of West Lancashire and Pendle points to a process based on political partiality

The Labour Government’s decision to cancel council elections in Lancashire is not just wrong but also illogical and inconsistent say Our West Lancashire.

West Lancashire’s council elections were cancelled without any request from the council itself and without any formal discussion by councillors.  No evidence was provided by council officers to councillors of any capacity issues that would make holding elections difficult which was the stated reason for the Government to consider a cancellation.  The Government has instead cancelled West Lancashire’s elections on the basis of an unpublished email from the Leader of the Labour Group following a private meeting of Labour councillors when that group represents fewer than 50% of the councillors on the council. 

In contrast, Pendle Council in East Lancashire held a special council meeting in public to discuss cancellation.  A majority of councillors at the meeting agreed to request a cancellation because of concerns about capacity and submitted their request.  Yet, the elections in Pendle are to go ahead.  

OWL Chairman, Councillor Adrian Owens said, “Cancelling our local elections in Lancashire is wrong, but it also appears to have been largely made up on the hoof with decisions made without a recognised process.  Contrasting the treatment of West Lancashire and Pendle councils shows that.  Pendle followed Government process requested cancellation but elections will go ahead, while in West Lancashire there was no public discussion and no formal request for cancellation just what appears to be a cosy agreement within the Labour party to deprive residents of their democratic right.” 

https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/news/may-2026-elections.aspx