Postponing Local Elections

There is a lot going on in Kent local government at the moment, and changes may be implemented very quickly.

The Government is proposing limited devolution of powers to a new strategic body (probably a Mayor) and wants our District Councils to combine into new and larger unitary authorities. Kent County Council this month voted to support the Government's plans.

There are many risks in this, as well as some opportunities, including for Town and Parish Councils. Sensible people in all parties are happy to explore and debate how we should respond, and how Kent can have more control at the right level over the decisions and services that impact local communities.

This debate should not be limited to politicians and the political parties. We need to involve business, charities, resident associations, the NHS and all those who contribute to making our communities thrive.

How typical, then, of the modern Conservative Party that instead of launching this great debate, they want to shut it down by canceling May's elections to the County Council. They, and others, are running away from the ballot box and the views of local people.

Kent County Council will continue to play an influential role over the next few years as reform and re-organisation makes progress. Its members were elected in 2021 in very different circumstances for a four-year term. It is quite possible that they will now stay in place for a further three or four years.

KCC's membership should be refreshed and re-invigorated. Local people should now decide who they want to represent them at County Hall.

Cllr Alan Leaman

Lib Dem, Sevenoaks Northern Ward & leader of the Lib Dem Group on Sevenoaks District Council.