Local Government Reorganisation

Luke Evans Excerpts

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Angela Rayner]

I totally recognise that Cambridgeshire has a huge amount of potential, and we will absolutely ensure that a meeting is set up with myself or the Minister. I gently say that I understand the implications of me coming to the House today, as Secretary of State, and reviewing these decisions. I have said that I want to do it at pace, but I have also made it really clear that I felt that I needed to put that review in place so that I could satisfy myself that we are doing it correct. These are some really big reforms, as the hon. Lady is aware. I want to make sure we get it right so that her area can reach its full potential, and I am sure it will.

[Dr Luke Evans (Hinckley and Bosworth) (Con)]

When the right hon. Lady came to the House last year to announce her consultation, I called it a mess. Fast forward 18 months: there is now chaos in the outcome and decisions. Make no mistake, the reason we are here now is the threat of the courts. My concern comes because in Leicestershire, we had three applications go forward and the Government chose their own fourth application. Will the Secretary of State ensure that her review involves not just the process but the boundaries as well, because the biggest contention in Leicestershire is the massive land grab coming from the city, and nine out of 10 people in her own consultation said that this was not acceptable?

[Angela Rayner]

I reassure the Member that I am going to review those issues and make sure that I am confident in the decision that is made, including within the boundaries, to ensure that any decisions that are made are the right ones. I will update him, and work with him and other Members to ensure they have that clarity. We might not agree, but I will make sure that I have listened and that I at least know where I am going and make the decision confidently.