Local elections for Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council will go ahead on May 7, 2026, in Ipswich, Suffolk. This follows a sudden reversal by the national government, which had previously planned to delay the local vote.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government withdrew its proposal to postpone the elections on February 16, 2026. Officials confirmed the change after receiving legal advice and facing criticism over the potential delay to the democratic process.
The elections were originally meant to take place in May 2025 but were first moved to 2026 to help arrange a regional transfer of powers. While the council elections are now back on track for this spring, a separate vote for a new regional mayor for Suffolk and Norfolk has been pushed back to May 2028.
Local council leaders say they are now in a race against time to prepare for the vote on short notice. Staff must now finish administrative work for polling stations and candidate nominations to ensure the election runs smoothly in May.
Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald said he was relieved that local government capacity is being prioritised. Residents are being encouraged to check they are registered to vote and have a valid photo ID ready for the spring timeline.
