Why a Reform legal challenge forced Keir Starmer to U-turn on local elections

The Prime Minister said the original choice to postpone the elections was ‘a locally led decision’ (Picture: AFP via Getty)

You know the script by now. Sir Keir Starmer and his government announce a controversial decision. They spend months defending it, throwing vast amounts of political capital at explaining why it’s necessary (if not desirable) or desirable (if not necessary).

Then, when the pressure reaches breaking point, they do exactly that – break. A U-turn is announced...