
1 

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Local Authorities (Referendums and Election of Mayors) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.
(2) These Regulations come into force on 16th July 2025.
(3) These Regulations extend to England and Wales.
2 
In the Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011, in regulation 16 (timing of referendum in consequence of valid petition)—
(a) in paragraph (1), for “paragraphs (2) and (3)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (3)”;
(b) in paragraph (2), for “Paragraph” substitute “Subject to paragraph (2A), paragraph”;
(c) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) Where the petition date for a valid petition falls within the period beginning with 16th July 2025 and ending with the day before the ordinary day of election in 2026—
(a) paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply, and
(b) a referendum in consequence of that valid petition shall be held no later than the end of the period of six months beginning with the ordinary day of election in 2026.”.
3 
In the Local Authorities (Elected Mayors) (Elections, Terms of Office and Casual Vacancies) (England) Regulations 2012, in regulation 3 (first election of mayor)—
(a) in paragraph (1), for “paragraph (1A)” substitute “paragraphs (1A) and (3A)”;
(b) in paragraph (1A), for “Where” substitute “Subject to paragraph (3A), where”;
(c) in paragraph (3), for “If” substitute “Subject to paragraph (3A), if”;
(d) after paragraph (3) insert—“
(3A) If the date of the referendum or the date the mayoral resolution was passed falls within the period beginning with 16th July 2025 and ending with the day before the ordinary day of election in 2026, the first election shall take place on the second ordinary day of election after (as the case may be) the date of the referendum or the date the mayoral resolution was passed.”.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Jim McMahon
Minister of State
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
24th June 2025