Devolution Plans Slammed - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Devolution Plans Slammed – RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, has slammed Labour’s plans for reform English Devolution

Devolution Plans Slammed - RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, has slammed Labour’s plans for reform English Devolution

RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, has slammed Labour’s plans for reform English Devolution, which include replacing district councils in counties like Essex, with unitary authorities and introducing an overall Mayor of Essex.

Speaking during a statement on English Devolution in the House of Commons, before Christmas, Mr Francois said: “Trying to create multiple unitary authorities in Essex will not work, will not have public support, will take the best part of a Parliament to implement and will not save money, in fact, quite the opposite, and there is a risk that local government will grind to a halt in the meantime.

“As for mayors, in 23 years of canvassing in my constituency, I have never once had a constituent say to me on the doorstep, ‘I want a mayor of Essex.’

“Indeed, looking up the road to London, the last thing on earth that we in Essex want is another Sadiq Khan.”

In response, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon said: “I will put the right hon. Gentleman down as undecided.”

Commenting further on the announcement, Mr Francois said: “Labour’s plans are an affront to local democracy and local people.

“They want to strip powers away from democratically elected councillors and impose a top-down approach. Just look down the road at the problems, like ULEZ, chaos Sadiq Khan has caused in London, Essex doesn’t need another Sadiq Khan.”

Picture: Mark Francois

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