A cross-party opportunity to restore civic pride and clean up Milton Keynes has been undermined by Labour councillors who have chosen political point-scoring over practical action for residents.
A motion brought forward by the Conservative Group called for a city-wide action planned to tackle litter, graffiti, overgrown spaces, and declining public infrastructure. It urged the council to step up, show leadership, and work with residents, businesses, and parish councils to make Milton Keynes a cleaner, safer, and greener place to live.
Instead of supporting this simple, collaborative approach, Labour tabled a series of amendments that stripped the motion of its urgency, diluted its ambition, and inserted party-political attacks aimed at the previous Conservative government.
Conservative Councillors say the motion, which was about empowering people to take pride in their neighbourhoods was twisted into a list of excuses instead of the council taking responsibility. Clear calls to action were removed. Even the word leadership was replaced with talk of “managing expectations”.
Cllr Shazna Muzammil, Leader of the Conservative Group, said:
"This was a chance to rise above party politics and do something meaningful for residents and businesses. But Labour chose politics over people. They used the motion to deflect from their own record, which after 11 years of running this Council — often with the Lib Dems — is frankly indefensible.
Residents are tired of the blame game. They want a council that delivers — on clean streets, safe walkways, and green spaces that actually feel looked after. That’s what this motion was about. Civic pride isn’t political — it’s about loving where you live, feeling connected to your community, and getting the basics right. Instead, the Labour Group used this as another opportunity to shift blame and distract with amendments that stripped out where leadership needs to step up. I sincerely hope residents can see through it all.”
Cllr Keith McLean, who tabled the original motion, added:
“The heart of this motion was simple: civic pride. It is about taking care of the place we all call home. Clean streets; safer underpasses; green spaces that are welcoming and looked after. That should not be controversial — but Labour’s amendments show exactly where their priorities lie. Not in delivery, but in distraction.”
Despite the heavy politicisation, the Conservative Group chose to support the amended motion. Conservative Councillors say whilst the amendment was not perfect, they believe prioritising and delivering for residents means leaving party politics aside and doing what is best for Milton Keynes first.
The motion was debated at Full Council on Wednesday 16th July at 7.30pm and was live streamed on the Milton Keynes City Council YouTube channel.