City leaders say there has been a “fundamental breakdown in trust” with the county council.
Worcestershire County Council leader Simon Geraghty last week wrote to local government minister Jim McMahon requesting the postponement of the elections.
He wants to fast-track plans for a Worcestershire unitary authority in line with Labour’s devolution policies.
POSTPONEMENT: Council leader Simon Geraghty wants to postpone May’s elections (Image: Worcestershire County Council)
But opposition and city councillors say the proposals are rushed and at least two other letters have been sent to Mr McMahon asking him to reject the county council’s request.
Mel Allcott is leader of the Unity Group – made up of Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors – at Worcestershire County Council.
In an open letter to the minister, she said Worcestershire does not have a “clear and agreed plan” for devolution.
“Any reform of local government in Worcestershire should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders,” said Cllr Allcott.
READ MORE: Worcestershire asks government to cancel local elections
READ MORE: Worcestershire holds devolution talks with other councils
“Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area.
“This will take time and should not be rushed through by a Conservative administration, following the general election result, looking to prevent losing seats in May 2025 elections.
“Our objective must be to get this right for our residents and businesses. That cannot be achieved if we make rushed decisions that have not been given the serious consideration that they deserve.”
The group leaders on Worcester City Council have also written a joint letter to Mr McMahon setting out their opposition to the county council’s request for postponement of May’s elections.
Labour’s Lynn Denham, Green Louis Stephen and Lib Dem Karen Holmes welcomed the proposal to devolve more powers to local communities but say the elections should go ahead as planned.
They say in their letter: “Over the past few weeks, Worcestershire County Council has already failed to share information or work collaboratively with us.
“We were not informed that the county council intended to submit a letter seeking postponement, and the contents of the letter were not shared with us until after it had been submitted.
“This most critical matter of local government was not even put on the agenda of the scheduled county council meeting on January 9.
“This has led to a fundamental breakdown in trust and confidence between partners and leaves us in no position to work collaboratively to submit a local government reorganisation proposal in accordance with the priority timetable.
“We cannot accept a continuation of this unilateral approach over the next few critical months. More time, and a fresh political mandate in May, is required.
“This will ensure that the requirements of the White Paper can be met, in a spirit of genuine co-operation, without the need for subsequent ministerial intervention.”
We have asked Worcestershire County Council for a comment.