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Local Government Boundary Commission for England
07 September 2020
Lead MP
Valerie Vaz
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Democracy & ElectionsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Valerie Vaz raised concerns about local government boundary commission for england in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Ms Vaz thanked the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission for their second report, which positively assessed Professor Colin Mellors' approach to chairing the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. The committee highlighted that Professor Mellors had taken an open and inclusive approach to his role, effectively maintained the commission's independence, impartiality and credibility, and brought a strong understanding of the local government sector and wider policy context. She noted that he ensured careful scrutiny of the commission’s finances to deliver value for money, and supported the Government’s motion endorsing Professor Mellors.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Mr Farron expressed support for the appointment of Professor Colin Mellors while questioning the wisdom of engaging in a top-down restructuring of local government during the current crisis. He argued that focusing on such reorganisation would distract local authorities from their primary responsibilities, including tackling public health issues and supporting communities economically.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Mr Andrew echoed some of Mr Farron’s concerns but expressed confidence in Professor Mellors’ capabilities to handle any challenges. He noted that the positive references given by previous speakers mean that Professor Mellors is well-prepared for his role.
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Assessment & feedback
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