In a pivotal moment for Milton Keynes, the Conservative Group has successfully passed a motion on English Devolution at Full Council, igniting an important and overdue conversation about the future of our region and pushing for a unified approach that truly prioritises our community's needs.
At last night’s (Wednesday 22nd) Full Council, Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Shazna Muzammil, moved the English Devolution motion, stating "I move this motion, with both a sense of duty and frustration. This is a hugely important issue for our region, yet it’s one this administration chose not to bring to this Council for open discussion.
Devolution offers us the chance to secure transformational investment, take control of key decisions, and unlock the potential of localised powers for the benefit of our communities. But instead of leading this important conversation, it’s been left to us to bring it forward”
Cllr Muzammil further highlighted how the Labour-led Council’s last-minute decision to exclude West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Councils has resulted in a fragmented Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) proposal. This exclusion undermines the economic successes achieved through collaboration with all six authorities.
She added:
“By submitting an EOI with just BLMK, the council fails to acknowledge the importance of this relationship and also fails meet the required population figures. It jeopardises our inclusion in the entire programme. Why are we setting ourselves up to fail risking investment and growth? “
Conservative Councillors believe the Labour administration’s exclusion of Northamptonshire Councils from the devolution bid jeopardises the region’s eligibility for significant investment and localised powers outlined in the Labour Government’s White Paper. This fragmented approach ignores historic and economic links, putting at risk initiatives like SEMLEP’s £265 million Local Growth Fund investment, which has already delivered 55 capital projects, creating jobs, housing, and infrastructure across the area.
Cllr David Hopkins, who seconded the motion, emphasised the importance of collaboration:
“The focus should be on common interests, goals, and outcomes for all six authorities involved in the South Midlands Authorities Board. Councils with historic, connectivity, business, and social links should form the beating heart of a surging new sub-regional economy.”
Unusually, the Conservative Group sought to amend their own motion in light of the rapid timetable since the Government’s White Paper on English Devolution and Labour’s unexpected exclusion of the Northamptonshire authorities.
Deputy Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Peter Geary, introduced amendments highlighting the Labour administration’s decision to abandon Northamptonshire from the deal, jeopardising the region’s participation in the devolution process. He stated:
“The significant damage inflicted on relationships with Northamptonshire neighbours is unacceptable. This decision prioritises politics over residents and undermines the potential for transformational investment.”
While most amendments were rejected by the Labour administration and Liberal Democrat Group, the original motion proposed by Cllr Shazna Muzammil was successfully passed.
Cllr Muzammil expressed pride in initiating this vital debate, while voicing disappointment in the Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups for failing to recognise the harm caused by Labour’s last-minute exclusion of Northamptonshire authorities. She concluded:
“We know no one gets everything right, and that working relationships can be challenging, but working together we have been successful in supporting this region.
I can’t stress enough the importance of the relationships we have built with all six unitaries, and more so with Northamptonshire over 12 years with SEMLEP and now South Midlands Authorities and what it has delivered for this region. It shouldn’t be overlooked by any means.
As a local authority, our responsibility should always be about putting the needs of our residents first, their concerns, and their future at the heart of every decision we make. Unfortunately, leaving out Northamptonshire does not feel like a decision that has been made with that priority in mind. We will always be better together.”
The Conservative Group remains committed to ensuring that devolution delivers real benefits for residents, unlocking opportunities for economic growth and stronger local governance. As this process unfolds, the Conservatives will continue to advocate for a unified, collaborative approach that puts the needs of the community first.
