The Labour Party, not the Government, should cover the full legal costs arising from the legal challenge to the attempt to delay local elections. Taxpayers should not be left footing the bill for a plan that was abandoned after legal advice raised serious concerns.

In recent times, we’ve witnessed an alarming attempt by the UK Government to cancel or delay local elections - an action later scrapped by Keir Starmer in the face of intense pressure. This move represents not only a significant overreach of power but also a direct assault on the democratic principles that are foundational to our nation’s integrity.

The Government’s strategy appeared to be a blatant attempt to prevent the Labour Party from losing control over councils and numerous councillor positions across the UK. Such calculated moves to manipulate democratic processes for political gain are unacceptable and undermine public trust in our governance structures.

It is evident that those involved in orchestrating this scheme were likely aware of the legal risk, yet proceeded with a “bulldoze” mentality. That is precisely why the public should not be expected to pick up the tab. When decisions are taken for political advantage - and then collapse under legal scrutiny - the costs should sit with the political institution that stood to benefit, not with ordinary people who had no part in the decision.

By shifting financial responsibility to the Labour Party, we would set a precedent ensuring that political entities are held accountable for attempting to circumvent lawful democratic processes. This change would not only promote a fairer political landscape, but also deter future attempts to disregard the law for political advantage.

Will you join me in calling for the Labour Party to cover these costs with its own money, rather than using yours and mine?