Reform UK Party Limited -v- Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionOrder

Claim No: AC-2026-LON-000195

In the High Court of Justice
King’s Bench Division
Administrative Court

20 January 2026

Before:

The Hon. Mr Justice Chamberlain

Between:

The King on the application of
Reform UK Party Limited

-v-

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Order

UPON reading the Claimant’s claim for judicial review, filed and issued on 16 January 2026;

AND UPON reading the Claimant’s Application Notice, dated 16 January 2026, seeking interim relief;

AND UPON hearing leading counsel for the Claimant and counsel for the Defendant at 12 noon on 20 January 2026;

AND UPON the Claimant’s counsel indicating that the application for interim relief is no longer pursued in the light of the directions set out below;

IT IS ORDERED as follows:

  1. The application for permission to apply for judicial review is adjourned to be listed as a “rolled-up” hearing before a Divisional Court on 19 February 2026, with a time estimate of two days. If permission is granted, the court will proceed immediately to determine the claim.
  2. The Claimant must by 4pm 21 January 2026 send by email to the 63 councils with elections under consideration for postponement (set out in the list annexed to the letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness dated 18 December 2025):
    a. the updated claim bundle in this case; and
    b. this Order.
  3. The Secretary of State must by 4pm on 29 January 2026 serve on the Claimant the reasons for its decision in respect of any exercise of the power conferred by s. 87(1) Local Government Act 2000.
  4. Any local authority seeking to be joined as an interested party or seeking permission to intervene must file an application by 4pm on 30 January 2026.
  5. The Claimant must file and serve any amended Statement of Facts and Grounds by 4pm on 2 February 2026. Any such amendments are strictly confined to the existing Grounds of Review.
  6. The Secretary of State must file Grounds of Defence and evidence in response to the remaining Grounds of Review by 4pm on 16 February 2026.
  7. The Statement of Facts and Grounds (whether as already filed or as amended pursuant to paragraph 5) and Grounds of Defence may stand as skeleton arguments for the “rolled-up” hearing. Any separate skeleton argument must be filed by not later than 12 noon on 18 February 2026.
  8. The parties are to agree a bundle of authorities which is to be filed and served by the Claimant by 4pm on 18 February 2026.
  9. Costs reserved.