Steve Reed Addresses Elections, Candidate Row, and Four-Day Week in Busy Week
LONDON, 1 February 2026 – The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, has been at the centre of several political developments this week, from confirming local election plans to defending a contentious candidate decision and issuing guidance on the four-day working week.
Essex County Elections Given Green Light
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has written to Essex County Council to confirm that its local elections, scheduled for May, will be going ahead. This follows a period of uncertainty and debate over the potential cost of holding the polls. In the House of Commons on Thursday, Mr Reed told MPs that pushing ahead with the elections in most areas was the government’s position, though he acknowledged the expense to taxpayers.
Defending the Block on Andy Burnham
Mr Reed has robustly rejected suggestions that denying Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham a place on the ballot for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election was politically motivated. The Housing Secretary insisted the decision was “done and dusted,” stating that allowing Mr Burnham to stand would “inconvenience” two million voters in the Greater Manchester region due to the potential disruption of a mayoral by-election. He framed the upcoming vote as a “choice between Labour and Reform,” warning that a vote for any other party risked letting Reform candidates in.
Key Facts & Recent Statements
| Issue | Steve Reed’s Position |
|---|---|
| Local Election Costs | Justified postponing some elections on cost grounds, but confirmed Essex and the “vast majority” will proceed in May. |
| Four-Day Working Week | Reportedly wrote that current guidance against the four-day week for local authorities “remains in force” and that he takes the issue “very seriously.” |
| Sir Keir Starmer’s Beijing Trip | Defended the Labour leader’s visit, rejecting claims it was linked to approving a new Chinese super embassy in London. |
| Tory Comment on Suella Braverman | Expressed outrage after the Conservative Party released a statement commenting on the former home secretary’s mental health. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Steve Reed say about Andy Burnham?
The Housing Secretary stated that the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election was final (“done and dusted”). He argued that allowing the Mayor to run would cause significant disruption for voters in Greater Manchester.
Are local elections in Essex cancelled?
No. Steve Reed has written to Essex County Council to confirm that its elections planned for May 2026 are going ahead.
What is the government’s stance on a four-day week for councils?
Steve Reed has indicated that the existing guidance, which discourages local authorities from adopting a four-day working week, remains officially in place and is being treated with seriousness by the ministry.