Local Government Reorganisation 2025-12-18

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The MP appreciates the Minister's consideration of valid concerns but is disappointed about the late announcement, especially given its importance to many absent Members. She asks why there has been a change from previous commitments made by the Secretary of State two days ago.

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The Chair of the Select Committee raises concerns about timing and logistical challenges for councils in preparing for elections amidst reorganisation. She also asks when final decisions will be made after the January deadline.

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The shadow minister raises concerns about the Government's repeated cancellations of elections and questions the nature of capacity issues cited by councils. She also asks which tier of council makes the decision on capacity constraints and if there will be full reimbursement for costs if elections are cancelled.

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Supports the local government reorganisation programme for Exeter and Devon, highlighting the benefits of streamlining councils and allowing cities to take control of their economy and services.

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Raises concerns about uncertainty facing residents of Gosport due to the constant ambiguity from the Ministry regarding the borough's future.

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Welcomes the increase in multi-year funding for Luton, but stresses the need for mechanisms to deliver these resources effectively.

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Asks for confirmation on whether elections in Surrey will proceed as planned.

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Advises the Minister to proceed carefully with reorganisation while highlighting Labour's financial attacks on local government.

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Critiques the Government's process of reorganisation as descending into farce, questioning if Labour-led councils are hiding due to poor poll performance.

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Requests assurance that community views, traditions, and identity will be driving forces behind reorganisation discussions.

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Questions the political motivations behind this decision and demands support for an amendment to require votes in this place before stopping elections.

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Merry Christmas!

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This is a disgraceful decision that damages our democracy and sets a dangerous precedent. To borrow a phrase, is the Minister afraid? Frightened? Frit? What does she say to my constituents whose fundamental right to have their say at the ballot box is now being taken away?

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This feels like some kind of unholy Labour-Conservative alliance to avoid electoral humiliation. At West Sussex county council, the dysfunctional Conservative administration will surely grab the chance to cling on to power for yet another year past its sell-by date. To make sure that any decision to delay is taken for the right reasons, will the Minister agree to require that any council seeking to cancel elections will also be required to see out the rest of its term under a cross-party rainbow coalition comprised of existing councillors?

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Could she tell us what discussions there have been and what views, opinions, advice or instructions have been issued to her, her fellow Ministers or special advisers by the political advisers in No. 10?

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After Reform-led Staffordshire county council, Conservative-run East Sussex county council paid out the highest amount in compensation relating to potholes between 2022 and 2024. People in Eastbourne want to have their say. Can the Minister confirm whether the leader of East Sussex county council has already made representations to her about the cancellation of elections next year? Will she confirm whether she expects the people of East Sussex to have a say at the ballot box in 2026?

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Can we now be confident that those very strong reasons that would have to be adduced for any boundary changes really amount to any sort of guardianship of the situation at all?

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What information will be available for the general public to ensure that the transition is understood and that people are not alienated from their local representation?

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I have it on very good authority that these decisions have been taken by political advisers in No. 10, and the Minister did not deny that. Could she clarify whether I am right to take away that impression, or could she be more open and candid with the House?