The newly-formed North West Leicestershire branch of Reform UK has launched a petition demanding a planned decision to postpone County Council elections in May is reversed.

A statement issued on Monday says it feels it would be well placed to win seats at Leicestershire County Council this year.

The County Council says delaying the vote would give it time to draw up detailed proposals in response to the government's plans to reorganise local government so that every region of England has a mayor.

Reform points to a new poll which says it is now the second largest political party in the country, and describes the request to delay the local elections by 12 months as a move to make sure current councilllors 'hang on' to their seats.

The County Council says delaying the vote would give it time to draw up detailed proposals in response to the government's plans to reorganise local government so that every region of England has a mayor.

A senior member at North West Leicestershire District Council has also voiced their opposition to the plans.

Deputy leader, and Liberal Democrat councillor, Michael Wyatt, said last week: " I totally oppose County request to postpone elections.

"There is no consensus within Leicestershire to scrap the current system which works."

The Reform statement adds: "The County Council elections could see long-standing Councillors from the main parties lose their seats. 

"With local polling suggesting voters are fleeing from the traditional forces, Reform offers an alternative to the traditional two-party system. 

"County Councillors who were expected to stand to protect their seats in May are running scared of democracy, with the idea of a unitary council being pushed on national Government.

"Labour will be keen to not have an embarrassment so close to their sweeping national win in 2024, the Conservative Party will be keen to just stay relevant at this stage. Hanging on to some County Council seats will do just that for them. 

The chairman of North West Leicestershire's branch of Reform UK spoke to the party's East Midlands Conference earlier this month. Photo: Supplied

"If your job were at threat of course you will try and deny the inevitable handing over of your p45. Which is exactly what is happening here."

Reform UK's North West Leicestershire chairman, Joseph Boam, said: "Delaying elections to suit political agendas undermines democracy. 

"Politicians should not have the power to choose when they are re-elected. 

"The people of Leicestershire deserve the right to vote on their local representatives without unnecessary delay. Any changes to governance must have the clear backing of the public."