I have repeatedly raised concerns about the Government's proposals on LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION, arguing that communities should not be forced into a devolution arrangement against their wishes.
I am therefore delighted that the Government is announcing the launch of a Review of Local Government Reorganisation.
The review will include decisions on Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, which have been withdrawn and plans for 14 other areas, including STAFFORDSHIRE, will also be part of the review.
I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me since the Government first announced their plans on devolution in 2024, to those who have joined the protests against the issue and the many local residents who signed our No to Stoke petition.
I have been making the point that we do not want to be forced into a devolution deal against our will since July 2024 during the debate on the King’s speech in the House of Commons, to ministers and to the previous Prime Minister. I also wrote to the Secretary of State and presented a petition to the House.
Moorlanders have been clear that we do not want to be part of Greater Stoke but ministers have refused to listen. I will keep fighting this decision which is just plain wrong.