Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill [Lords]

Ronnie Campbell Excerpts

Wednesday 14th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

The right hon. Lady reflects exactly why we need a bespoke approach rather than a single template—because every place is different. As we know, her city of Birmingham is the largest local authority in Europe, and it is very different from other authorities. Greater Manchester is divided into 10 separate authorities, for example. It would be completely wrong to seek to impose a Manchester arrangement on Birmingham and its neighbours. As I have said, and as is reflected in the Bill, arrangements can come forward only if there is a consensus between the local authorities that might want to be partners. That has to be forged locally. I do not have the ability either now or subsequently through the Bill to impose an arrangement on any authority, however much people might desire it.

[Mr Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab)]

rose—

[Greg Clark]

I give way to the hon. Gentleman. I must make some progress, but of course I will give way to Members as I do so.

[Mr Campbell]

In the north-east of England, it seems that you are imposing a mayor on the leaders, and the feeling in the north-east is that they do not want a Geordie Boris. If this is all about democracy and sharing democracy, why are you imposing a mayor on us?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am not imposing anything. The hon. Gentleman must not attribute to me what he is accusing the Government of doing, or failing to do.

[Mr Campbell]

You are on the other side of the game, aren’t you?

[Mr Speaker]

I am on the side of adherence to the rules, a concept that I am sure the hon. Gentleman, in his better moments, robustly supports.