Support for change of control
I know that Conservative councillors across the country will be campaigning hard on the doorstep.
Councillor Kevin Bentley
Building momentum ahead of elections
The Conservative Spring Conference in Harrogate was a highly successful and energising event, bringing together councillors, activists, parliamentarians, and campaigners from across the country, and helping to build momentum ahead of upcoming local elections.
Emissions costs for waste incineration
The Government’s plans to plough ahead with its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will have dire consequences for councils.
Scrutinising devolution in the Lords
I would like to wish everyone across the local government family a prosperous 2026 and congratulate all those in the sector who were recognised for their efforts in the New Year Honours List – in particular, the former Leader of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Martin Tett, who has been made a CBE.
Missed opportunity to reset council finances
This could have been a consequential period for local government finance.
A strong voice for Conservative councils
I am writing this after a busy, but very enjoyable, Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
Productive relationships
September marks the start of the new political year, and I am delighted that, in its first week, we held the first ‘Blue Team’ meeting with our new Shadow Secretary of State, James Cleverly, and his shadow ministerial team.
Road tax should be going to councils
National Highways maintains just 2 per cent of England’s roads, while our local authority highway departments maintain more than 90 per cent.
Importance of speaking as one voice
The local elections were a bruising and depressing night for the Conservative Group. One by one, we lost incredibly good, hard-working colleagues who lost through no fault of their own.
The biggest power grab in decades
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill will do little to get spades in the ground and increase England’s housing supply.