Government Rejects Call To Delay Local Elections

The government has rejected a call to delay May’s local elections in Leicestershire.

The county council had requested the poll was put on hold for a year while talks continue on the potential shake-up of local government.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said that while she had approved the postponement of elections in some areas of the country, Leicestershire was not one of them.

She spoke in the House of Commons:

Over 1,000 people had signed a petition opposing any delay that was launched by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, who opposed the bid, while Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of Harborough District Council said the move would have been an ‘abuse of democracy’.

The government also announced that Leicestershire would not be in the first wave of areas to go forward with plans for local government reorganisation, but insisted that they want other areas to come up with plans in the near future.

The move could see all of the county’s district and borough councils scrapped along with the county council and replaced by a single authority for the whole of Leicestershire.

The borders of Leicester city could also be extended into parts of Harborough district.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has welcomed today’s news but is still concerned:

Cllr Knowles gave his reaction to the announcement:

Leicestershire County Council says it will press ahead with drawing up proposals for reorganisation, following today’s announcement.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Whilst it is disappointing to have our request refused, we are still required to submit plans for change.

This is the first step towards simplifying a confusing system, protecting front-line services and creating a system of local government fit for the 21st century.

“It’s a case of when, not if, change is coming– and it isn’t an optional process. All councils in two tier areas and neighbouring unitary councils, in this case, Leicester and Rutland, were invited to submit reorganisation proposals to Government for a new unitary structure of local governance.  All councils in two-tier areas need to put initial bids in by the end of March.

“It is well known that Leicestershire has been frustrated in trying to achieve any devolution of powers and responsibilities, a frustration which has been shared by MPs and district councils. Since reorganisation is required to unlock devolution, the County Council had bid to join the fast-track programme for reorganisation which would enable devolution at the earliest opportunity.

“Moving the election would have sped up the pace but we still need to get moving. Our focus now is working with all stakeholders to draw up more detailed plans.”