Harborough Set For Major Council Shake-up as Leicester Boundary Expands
Written by HFM News on 16th July 2026
The Harborough district is set to become part of a new unitary council covering the whole of Leicestershire, while some areas will be transferred into an expanded Leicester.
The government has backed Leicester City Council’s preferred option for reorganising local government, replacing the current county, district and borough councils.
Two new authorities will be created – one covering an expanded Leicester and another serving the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicester’s boundary will be extended to include areas including Great Glen and Wistow, despite strong opposition from campaigners and local authorities.
The pink-shaded area of the map shows the extent of the new city boundary
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien led opposition to the plans, with more than 11,000 people signing a petition against the proposals. He said the decision ignored the views of local residents.
He has reacted furiously to the announcement:
The government says the changes are designed to simplify local government, save money and streamline services.
Three options were considered – Leicestershire County Council also supported two unitary authorities, but without an expanded Leicester boundary, while district and borough councils backed a three-authority model, with Harborough becoming part of a new South Leicestershire council.
Harborough District Council leader Cllr Simon Whelband said the decision was “a slap in the face” for residents, accusing the government of ignoring local opposition.
He said: “There is no local mandate for taking communities out of Harborough and forcing them into Leicester City.”
Cllr Whelband said the council had challenged ministers and made its concerns clear throughout the process, but claimed those views had “fallen on deaf ears”.
Harborough District Council says it will continue to work through the transition to protect local services, represent the interests of the district and ensure communities are treated fairly.
The council says it is now looking at every option available, including a possible legal challenge.
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the Opposition at HDC is also disappointed at the decision:
Leicestershire County Council leader Councillor Dan Harrison described the decision as “a disastrous day for democracy”, saying an expanded city would be “costly and disruptive”.
He said: “Financially and strategically, this is madness and it’s not the right decision for Leicestershire.”
The county council says it will also now take legal advice on whether to challenge the government’s decision.
Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, said: “This government is serious about creating new councils fit for the future, improving services for residents whilst delivering increased value for their council tax.
“These new authorities mean real change for communities across the country, empowering local people by making it more straightforward to find out about local services, and giving those who know their areas best a stronger voice for change.”
Elections for the new shadow authorities could take place in May next year, with the new councils expected to come into effect in April 2028.
