Labour sink to new depths with their cynical cancellation of the Mayor of Greater Essex election.

The Essex based Confelicity Party has one primary ambition: that is to transfer more money, power and influence to people local to their area as only they know what needs to be changed.

Electing a Mayor for Greater Essex does not necessarily do this and I am actually against the idea, as explained in a previous blog I wrote: https://www.southendconfelicityparty.co.uk/post/james-miller-will-be-standing-as-mayor-of-essex-for-the-confelicity-party-in-2026.

Our entrance in the election was to provide true local representation with no ties to the national parties.

Despite our in principle reluctance, a lot of preparation and expense has been going on behind the scenes for May 2026, so it is very disappointing to hear Labour has inexplicable declared the postponement until 2028 - if indeed it ever happens.  They cancelled the local election in Essex, Southend has not confirmed they will not cancel our local elections, and now they are doing this. Somehow, I am beginning not to trust the process.

I’ve a horrible feeling democracy is being undermined because of the way the results look to be heading. The career Labour politicians are cooked if nothing dramatic changes and in their panic they have rolled out a lame-duck excuse scapegoating invisible people who have supposedly been unable to get their work done on time.

When you read the government paperwork highlighting the Mayor’s roles and responsibilities, very often the wording specifically says “to fulfil the government’s missions”. It is quite clear the position, as written, was meant for a Labour Mayor and that prospect couldn’t be further away right now.

As one of the six candidates who have declared to stand, I think we need answers to get to the truth of the matter. 

I would like those whose responsibility it was to get this through come out and provide the exact reasons why they were unable to achieve their task.  What was the roadblock that has proved so insurmountable that a long extension is now required?

It also puts into question the local government reorganisation that is due to take place. Another waste of time at huge cost.

As frustrating as this is, I will just focus all my energies back into Southend with the goal to remove the current Labour, Lib Dem and Independent Group coalition, as they are hell bent in building 10,000 houses - minimum - on green belt land by Bournes Green Chase.

This can’t win, can’t vote sham of a democracy is plain dangerous. However, there are only so many times they can pull this trick before the public becomes aware of what is going on.

I will be writing to the relevant bodies for a full inquest into this farce because it cannot be allowed to be this easy for a few people in power to dictate proceedings in this way. There ought to be a strengthening of legislation around elections to defend against such arbitrary abuses of the system as this must not happen ever again.

Call an election, hold an election - it’s that simple.

If there is one silver lining, it means Confelicity will be able to put all our resources into the 2026 Southend local elections due to take place in May - that is of course if they aren’t cancelled too.