Democracy not served by postponing County Elections

Democracy is not served by postponing the County elections
Hampshire County Council has won approval from the Government to postpone the County elections due to be held in May 2025. Instead, they will be held in some form in May 2026 with the new Hampshire Mayoral elections.
The LibDems believe that postponing the elections is a mistake and does not serve democracy. Instead, it takes power away from residents.
Cllr Gavin James, Co-Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and County Councillor for Basingstoke South East, wrote to Jim McMahon MP, Minister for Local Government and Devolution, to voice our opposition. He says “Democracy should never be considered something getting in the way of politics, but the foundation stone on which our politics is built."
His full letter is below.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have published a webpage with the latest information on the possible changes under devolution and the Local Government Reorganisation.