JAMES McMurdock MP has claimed victory in his campaign to protect voters’ rights and ensure democratic accountability in Thurrock, following repeated government evasions on whether cancelled local elections would proceed in 2026. For months, ministers avoided giving him a clear answer, stating that elections would only be cancelled again if there was “strong justification.” Mr McMurdock persistently questioned the government to pin them down on what would be deemed a sufficiently “strong justification.”
Despite their repeated stance, Mr McMurdock has now secured a firm commitment from the Government:
“We are not cancelling elections in Thurrock in May 2026.”
Responding to the news, Mr McMurdock stated: “The cancellation of local elections last year was an unjustified attack on the right of my constituents to decide who runs their local council. This concession from the Government for my Thurrock residents is welcome, but must now be extended to my Basildon constituents who are due to elect their councillors for Basildon and Essex Councils.”
This assurance marks a significant step forward for local democracy. James will now press the government to provide the same unequivocal guarantee for Essex County Council and Basildon Council, ensuring that voters across the region can have their say.
