Local government minister Jim McMahon said councils that are being merged or abolished could "hold off" having ballots until the changes are complete.
But Sir Keir Starmer was branded a "terrified dictator" by Reform UK, which was hoping to make major gains next May.
Nigel Farage said the cancellation of elections in some areas of the country where his party is gaining momentum was an "act of a desperate government".
He added: "They have the audacity to call us a 'threat to democracy' whilst they act like third-world dictators."
Esta historia es de la edición December 17, 2024 de Daily Express.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 17, 2024 de Daily Express.
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Ukraine's humble legend giving hope to soldiers fighting on the frontline
USYK REVEALS HOW HIS TITLE WIN WAS RELAYED TO TROOPS
BACK-UP KEEPER IS ONE KELL OF A JOB
Slot knows being Alisson's No.2 is tough for Caoimhin
Howe makes winning a trophy talk of the Toon
EDDIE EMBRACING THE IDEA SQUAD CAN END LONG WAIT FOR GLORY
Bell strikes as feeble hosts fall apart
ENGLAND skittled South Africa for just 64 as they powered to a 286-run win in the one-off Test in Bloemfontein.
Stokes vows to return stronger than ever before
INJURY WON'T HOLD SKIPPER BACK
Running a chippy fried Price's brain
FOCUS NOW BACK ON SPORT
All coming together for rising star Jones
UP-AND-COMING trainer Jack Jones will have all his horses under the same roof from the new year after completing a deal to buy Rae Guest's Newmarket stables.
Barclays loses motor finance ruling legal challenge
BARCLAYS has lost a legal fight against the Financial Ombudsman Service over a ruling that it unfairly paid commission to a car finance broker over a loan.
Budget sparks 13% jump in insolvencies...with more due
BUSINESS insolvencies rose 13% in November, with experts warning worse is to come.
Fortunes-telling for 2025
MILLIONS of Britons will be anxious about what 2025 has in store as the economy slows, energy bills climb and inflation remains stubbornly high.