There has been a significant change to the local election timetable in Suffolk, and understandably many residents are asking what it all means. I hope this provides a clear explanation although it seems to be a moving feast.

1️⃣ Suffolk County Council Elections – 7 May 2026

The Government has reversed its earlier decision to cancel the 2026 Suffolk County Council elections.

As things stand, county council elections will now take place on 7 May 2026.

That means residents will vote to elect councillors to Suffolk County Council for a new four-year term.

However, there is an important context behind this.

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2️⃣ District Council and Proposed Unitary Elections – May 2027

In May 2027:

• Elections are scheduled for district councils, including West Suffolk Council

• Elections are also expected to take place for the new unitary authority, if Government plans proceed

The current proposal is that Suffolk’s two-tier system (county + district councils) would be replaced by a single unitary council covering the whole of Suffolk or maybe there will be three unitary councils across Suffolk???.

If that happens:

• Voters would elect councillors to the new unitary authority in May 2027

• The first year (2027–2028) would operate as a “shadow authority” year

• During that year, the new council would prepare to take over full responsibilities

• The existing county and district councils would continue running services until the formal transition

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3️⃣ What Is a “Shadow Year”?

A shadow year means:

• The newly elected unitary councillors are in place

• They begin setting budgets, structures and leadership arrangements

• Formal powers transfer at the end of that shadow period

It is essentially a managed transition year to avoid disruption to services such as highways, social care, waste collection, housing, and planning.

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4️⃣ Could the 2027 Elections Change?

Yes — it is possible.

If Government policy changes again, or if structural reform is delayed or altered, the timing and nature of elections could change.

In particular, the proposed unitary elections could still be cancelled or postponed depending on national decisions by the Labour government.

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5️⃣ What This Means for Residents

For now:

✔ You will vote in County Council elections on 7 May 2026

✔ You are scheduled to vote again in May 2027 for district council elections and potentially for a new unitary authority

✔ The first year of any new unitary authority would be a transition (“shadow”) year

I appreciate that this may feel confusing. Structural change of this scale always brings uncertainty. My priority is to ensure residents are kept informed and that local services remain stable and accountable throughout.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect your area, please do get in touch.

Your vote remains important — and your voice matters — whatever structure local government takes in Suffolk.