Coalville councillor Craig Smith has responded to a request to postpone May's local elections by saying: 'The financial implications of holding them in 2025 simply do not make sense'.

Leicestershire County Council announced last week that it wants to delay this year's planned elections by 12 months.

The County Council elections had been keenly anticipated as a measure of the current political climate.

Cllr Smith would have been planning to step up his campaign to stay as the county representative for Coalville North after narrowly losing out on the North West Leicestershire seat at last year's General Election.

The news came as a blow to Reform UK who had been aiming to win county council seats.

Reacting, the newly-formed North West Leicestershire branch has launched a petition to stop the elections being delayed until 2026.

Deputy leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, Cllr Michael Wyatt, also opposes the proposed postponement.

But Cllr Smith has moved to explain what is happening - and why the council wants to put the elections back a year.

Leicestershire County Council wants to delay the May elections by 12 months. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

In a statement released today (Wednesday), he said: "For nearly four years, I've had the privilege of representing our community at County Hall. 

"Throughout this time, I've worked tirelessly to put the interests of residents above party politics, ensuring that Coalville gets the best possible services from LCC. Every decision I've made has been guided by one principle, "what is best for the people I serve".

"Let me ask you this. 

"Do you know which council is responsible for footpaths? Which council is responsible for refuse collection? And is it the same one that runs our tip?

"If you do then you are in a tiny minority. Most people don't know and certainly don't care which council does what. 

"All most people bother about is if their bin is emptied on time. Is council housing good quality, is their council tax value for money?

"Over the past few weeks, the Acting Leader of the County Council, Deborah Taylor, has been in constant talks with key figures about the future of local government in Leicestershire. 

"These discussions have included Labour's Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, the Lib Dem Rutland County Council Leader Gale Waller, and the Labour Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Jim McMahon. 

Acting Leader of the County Council, Deborah Taylor

"At the heart of these talks has been the Labour Government's Devolution White Paper, a framework for reorganisation of local government across England.

"Let's be clear! This reorganisation is NOT optional. The Government has made it clear that two-tier councils (Districts and County) will be replaced with streamlined unitary authorities within this Parliament. 

"This reality leaves us with the real threat of a centrally imposed system forced upon us, the sooner we reorganise, the sooner we are financially stable and able to deliver even better services to our residents. 

"Both my colleagues and I want to take the lead now, working collaboratively across all councils to design a system that works for all the people of Leicestershire. I believe this is the only responsible course of action.

"Despite what some political factions might say, no one wants to delay elections. Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, and as someone who spent most of last year passionately campaigning for public office, I understand first-hand how important they are. 

"However, the financial implications of holding County Council elections in 2025 simply do not make sense. Taxpayers would be burdened with millions in costs for an election that would effectively become redundant within a year. 

"If new unitary authorities are formed in 2026, as the Government has indicated, another round of elections would then be required. That's money wasted, at a time when every penny matters.

North West Leicestershire District Council in Coalville. Photo: Coalville Nub News

"Deborah and her team are demonstrating strong leadership by proposing this delay. It's not an easy decision, but it's the right one. 

"By postponing the elections until 2026, we'll have the time needed to work collaboratively with District Councils, Leicester City, and Rutland to create a brand-new local governance structure that prioritises services, saves money, and delivers long-term benefits for residents."

Cllr Smith says he understands the reaction of North West Leicestershire District Council - and other similar authorities.

He also says this could speed up the formation of a Coalville Town Council.

Cllr Smith added: "This is not about a power grab by the County Council.

"I completely understand the sentiments of our District Councils, which, through no fault of their own, will be dissolved alongside the County Council. 

"These organisations have served our communities faithfully for 50 years. However, with Labour firmly set on abolishing the two-tier system, and no further funding, despite being the lowest-funded authority in England, we are left with no choice but to move forward.

"Now, our focus must be on coming together to create the very best authorities to serve our residents for the next 50 years. 

"One positive outcome from this change is the likely establishment of a long overdue Coalville Town Council, which will empower local people and put decision making back in their hands, it's about everyone coming to the table to ensure we get the best possible outcomes for our communities.

"Local government plays a vital role in our daily lives. From maintaining our roads to supporting our schools and social services, these are decisions that affect us all. 

"Delaying the elections for one year gives us time to fully commit to reorganisation, we have just one opportunity to get it right, taking the time now to get it right 1st time is an investment in our community's future.

"As your representative, my commitment is to you the people of Coalville. Delaying the elections isn't a decision taken lightly, but it's the sensible option to ensure we create a system that works for everyone in Leicestershire, our residents deserve nothing less."