Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Mark Francois Excerpts
Thursday 8th January 2026

(2 days, 6 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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Why not Mark Francois?

Mark Francois Portrait Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
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Happy new year, Mr Speaker.

Can we have an urgent debate on the need to proceed with the local elections in May? In July 1945 we held a general election, even though we were still involved in fighting the second world war in the far east. If we can have a general election in wartime, why can we not have local elections in peacetime four months from today, including in Labour-led Basildon, Southend and Thurrock? What is Labour frightened of—other than losing, of course?

None Portrait Hon. Members
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Not you!