Prime Minister To Meet Campaigners Over Leicester Expansion

The Prime Minister has agreed to meet residents and campaigners opposed to plans to expand Leicester’s boundaries into parts of Leicestershire.

The pledge from Andy Burnham came after South Leicestershire Conservative MP Alberto Costa raised the issue in the House of Commons and called for him to meet people affected by the proposals.

The government announced earlier this week that it was pausing its plans for local government reorganisation, of which the boundary expansion is part, after receiving new legal advice.

Nearly 40,000 people have now signed petitions opposing the proposed expansion.

The petitions are due to be handed in at 10 Downing Street on Monday.

Under the proposals, Leicestershire’s existing councils would be replaced by a new unitary authority, while Leicester’s boundaries would be expanded to include parts of the county.

Areas of Harborough District, including Great Glen and Wistow, are among those which could be transferred to Leicester.

The proposals have faced opposition from residents, parish councils and politicians, who have raised concerns about the impact of the boundary changes and the loss of local representation.

Mr Costa has welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to meet residents and others opposed to the plans.

The meeting would give campaigners an opportunity to put their concerns directly to the Mr Burnham as the government considers the future of its reorganisation proposals.