Asks if postponing local council elections was in Labour's manifesto, and expresses concern over the loss of identity and control for smaller towns and villages due to centralisation. Called for radical reform of local government, opposing Labour's decision to delay elections and supporting the legal challenge by Reform UK. Contributed to the debate on local government reorganisation, focusing on issues within his constituency.

He expressed his agnosticism regarding unitary authorities versus two-tier systems and highlighted potential financial costs and diseconomies in services when moving to a single tier of unitaries. He also raised concerns about housing targets increasing under the Government by an average of 71% in new areas. Asked about the net effect of local government reorganisation and expressed concerns about spiking costs in areas such as SEND and children’s care.

Local government holds a special place in our democracy, delivering more than 800 services that represent key day-to-day functions for most people. These interactions with political choices and democratic management are delivered at the local level. Defended previous Conservative actions during local government reorganisations and argued that communities deserve empowerment and accountability. Criticised the Labour Government for ignoring local people's views on elections and restructuring processes. Contributed to the debate, highlighting concerns within his constituency regarding reorganisation.

Refutes the idea of referendums for reorganisation, citing past postponements and recent manifesto commitments for local government reform. Asked Andrew Rosindell about previous delays in elections and his position on them. Asked why there has been a sudden change of stance from the Conservatives regarding delayed elections, pointing out that they ignored referendum outcomes on mayoralties in 2012. Spoke up for the identity of his constituents, contributing to the debate on local government reorganisation.

Highlighted a democratic deficit due to delayed elections by West Sussex county council, questioning the legitimacy of elected Reform MPs. The mayoral election in Sussex has been postponed until 2028, but the statutory instrument for combined authority creation is still going ahead. Conservative councillors who have not had a democratic mandate since 2021 will create the combined authority.

Jim Shannon commends Peter Bedford for securing this debate and expresses concern about the removal of access to council services through centralisation, which he finds unacceptable.

Asked the hon. Member for Havering if he should focus more on local issues such as potholes and child safety rather than identity politics.

Points out that unitary authorities do not guarantee perfect pothole repair or SEND provision. She advises realism about local government reorganisation being a magic bullet for all issues. She discussed the negative impact of local government reorganisation in Devon, particularly how it affects rural areas and their sense of identity. She mentioned that her constituents oppose plans for Plymouth city council to subsume 13 parishes into its jurisdiction, with 90% opposing the proposals based on surveys conducted by her office. Emphasised the importance of community engagement and neighbourhood empowerment in the context of reorganisation.

Sir Christopher Chope shares a cautionary tale from Christchurch where reorganisation led to higher costs and less efficiency, highlighting the importance of listening to local people's views as demonstrated by their referendum results.

Welcomed the debate and supported calls for more democratic processes in reorganisation, criticising centralised devolution and highlighting unique challenges faced by rural areas like North Norfolk. Discussed the impacts of local government reorganisation on his constituents and community identity.

Tom Gordon agrees with the principle of local democratic consent but recalls that previous Conservative Governments imposed local government reorganisation on North Yorkshire. Questions whether change is actually happening since similar reforms were proposed by previous governments. Mentions that existing council elections are being postponed.

Will Forster supports Peter Bedford's stance against local government reform imposed against local wishes, noting that it led to an adverse impact on services and community.