Nigel Farage has launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of leading an “authoritarian” Government that “doesn’t believe in democracy.” His comments came after Number 10 confirmed that several major local and mayoral elections, originally scheduled for next year, will be postponed until 2028. Ministers argue the delay is necessary to allow more time for local authority reorganisation under the Government’s devolution agenda.

Farage, however, insisted the move shows “total and utter disdain” for liberty and democratic accountability. He claimed the elections were cancelled because polling suggested Reform UK could have won all four contests in Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Sussex and Brighton, and Norfolk and Suffolk. The Reform leader also said he is considering legal action to force the elections to go ahead.

During a heated press conference, Farage broadened his attacks, criticising Labour, denouncing the BBC for “double standards,” and defending himself against allegations over historic remarks. He also insisted his party’s adopted mayoral candidates would remain in place for the delayed contests and pledged to continue campaigning in affected regions.