Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner

Labour — Ashton-under-Lyne

Speaking in the House of Commons on 5 February 2025

Debate

English Devolution and Local Government

Contribution

The hon. Member talks about dictators, but the leader of Reform has not faced an election to get to his leadership position—the only leader who has not. We are not cancelling elections. I have been clear about the rationale, which is not unique or something that has not been done before. This delay is for reorganisation, and for further devolution so that people in local areas will get more powers from this Government. That is what we promised in our manifesto, and we will continue to deliver for people. I have strict and narrow guidance on which I allowed those areas to delay their elections, and I am confident they will be able to deliver. That is why I refused others. I am acutely aware that we want to ensure that people have a say in their local areas. That is what the devolution agenda is all about: giving local people more say and more powers.

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