Local Government Reorganisation

Lewis Cocking Excerpts
Monday 23rd February 2026

(1 day, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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I completely agree with what my hon. Friend says. It is very important that we move ahead with local government reorganisation, not just because of the savings it generates, which can be ploughed into frontline services, but because of the boost it can give to local economies. That puts more money into people’s pockets, provides more jobs in the locality and helps those communities to thrive.

Lewis Cocking Portrait Lewis Cocking (Broxbourne) (Con)
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Having decided that elections should go ahead after all, will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating Conservative-run Broxbourne council on defending democracy from day one and never once considering delaying its elections? Will he confirm that this Labour Government will not use the same tactics to delay the next general election?

Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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I think that last point is a step beyond where anybody has gone previously. I am sure that there are many reasons to congratulate Broxbourne council.