Local elections are on, after weeks of Labour dither and delay and leading us up the garden path, but these elections carry even greater significance. We are not just electing representatives for the next four years, we are laying the foundations for how local government in Leicestershire will operate for the next fifty.
The Labour government has made it clear, they intend to push forward with a unitary council structure within the next two years. This means the current County Council, as well as the district and borough councils, will be abolished, and new unitary authorities will take their place. While I fully support the principle of a unitary authority, I am determined to ensure that the transition is done in the best possible way for North West Leicestershire and the county as a whole.
The Need for a Strong, Well Managed Unitary Council
Leicestershire has some of the best run councils in the country. Both North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and Leicestershire County Council (LCC) have been models of financial stability and effective service delivery. For two decades, Leicestershire County Council has been under stable Conservative leadership, and despite being the lowest funded county council in England, it has not faced the financial disaster we’ve seen in Labour run Birmingham and Nottingham, both of which have effectively gone bankrupt.
This stability has meant that essential services have been protected, council tax has been kept as low as possible, and we have continued to invest in our roads, schools, and local infrastructure. However, the impending reorganisation threatens to throw everything into limbo. If a collaborative decision is not reached, the government will simply impose a structure upon us, potentially ignoring what works best for Leicestershire.
That’s why these elections are absolutely crucial. We need strong, experienced, and committed representatives who understand the complexities of local government and who will fight to get the best possible deal for our area.
Why I Support a Unitary Council
Make no mistake, I support the move to a unitary council. In fact, I believe it is long overdue. The current two tier system, with district and county councils sometimes duplicating responsibilities, is inefficient and costly. A well structured unitary authority would streamline decision making, reduce bureaucracy, and deliver better services at a lower cost to taxpayers.
However, the way we transition to a unitary system is just as important as the end goal. We cannot allow Labour’s top down approach to dictate the future of local government in Leicestershire without input from those of us who understand our communities best. We must ensure that the new council structure reflects the needs of our residents, protects local services, and builds on the successes of councils like NWLDC and LCC rather than undermining them.
Experience, Passion, and Dedication, Why I’m Standing Again
With so much at stake, this is not the time for protest votes or for putting inexperienced candidates into positions of power. Local government is complex, and we need people with the knowledge, the passion, and the drive to navigate these challenging times.
Over the last four years, I have worked tirelessly for North West Leicestershire. I have fought for local businesses, campaigned for better infrastructure, and stood up against policies that would harm our community, whether that be unfair tax proposals targeting family farms or unnecessary cuts to vital services. I have the experience to get things done, the time to fully commit to this role, and the drive to make sure Leicestershire gets the best possible deal in the coming years.
The next two years will be crucial. We need a County Council that is prepared to make tough decisions, that can manage change effectively, and that puts residents first. That’s what I will continue to fight for if re-elected in May.
On 1st May, you have a choice. Do you want a council led by experienced representatives who will fight for your interests, or do you want a group of disorganised, shouty opposition candidates with no real plan for the future?
I believe in a positive vision for North West Leicestershire and for Leicestershire as a whole. If you do too, I ask for your support on 1st May.
