With local elections in England fast approaching, some of the 136 local authorities involved are facing an unusually complex operating environment. For many councils, the run-up to polling day coincides with local government reorganisation (LGR) on the horizon, significant uncertainty about future political control and the real prospect of welcoming a large cohort of councillors who are entirely new to the role.
Surrey provides a particularly good example. This May's elections will not follow the usual district, borough or county format. Instead, voters will be electing councillors to the two new unitary councils being created: East Surrey and West Surrey. These are shadow authorities that will not be providing council services until 1 April 2027 and the new members need to quickly understand this shadow year and what they can and cannot do, before vesting day.
