07/09/2026
Labour’s Bungling Creates More LGR Chaos for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
“The news that Angela Rayner has paused parts of the local government reorganisation programme, because of concerns about whether decisions made by her predecessor followed the correct legal process, raises serious questions for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“The Labour Government has already imposed its preferred arrangement upon our area: an expanded Leicester Council and a new Leicestershire and Rutland Council. It did so despite the overwhelming rejection of city expansion in its own public consultation and repeatedly assured us that it had followed its rules and acted lawfully. It now appears Labour may have bungled the process.
“Our councils have already spent eye-watering amounts of time and public money preparing for reorganisation according to the Government’s timetable. Some authorities have planned their finances and drawn heavily upon reserves on the assumption that the changes will proceed as announced.
“Any delay or change of direction could therefore have major ramifications for councils across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, their local taxpayers and the frontline services residents rely upon.
“We remain firmly opposed to Labour’s undemocratic expansion of Leicester’s boundaries. However, our councils and communities cannot be left indefinitely in limbo while one Labour Secretary of State attempts to untangle the mistakes of another.
“Angela Rayner must urgently explain whether the decision for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is affected, provide a firm and deliverable timetable, and guarantee that local residents will not be forced to pick up the bill for Labour’s bungling.”
