Devolution fears for 'Millwall of local councils'

Opposition parties have raised fears about devolution plans, following a split between the councils over the area.

Both North and West Northamptonshire councils voted to go forward with a combined authority for the South Midlands.

But Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, who were initially part of the plans, have said they want their own area.

At a meeting of North Northamptonshire Council, Labour's Mark Pengelly asked if the county was "the Millwall of local government - nobody likes us".

The councillor was echoing the well-known chant of the London football club of "no-one likes us, we don't care".

But Conservative leader Jason Smithers said the South Midlands plan was "the only game in town".

At the same meeting, Reform councillor Martin Griffiths said the devolution plan would "take democracy further away from the people we serve and represent".

He said a South Midlands combined authority would not "improve or deliver value for money services".

Smithers said the devolution bid was "essential in delivering the best for our residents and businesses".

Conservative-led West Northamptonshire Council also voted to go ahead with the South Midlands plan.

At its extraordinary council meeting, leader of the Independent Group Ian McCord opposed it, saying the council would not be able to reverse any decision if councillors thought the new authority was not working.

Liberal Democrats group leader Sally Beardsworth told the meeting the Northamptonshire councils were "rushing ahead" after the other four said they did not want to be part of the plan.

Labour opposition leader Wendy Randall supported the plan but added that devolution should not be a "political shuttlecock we hit each other with".

West Northamptonshire Council leader Adam Brown said it was a case of "when not if" new combined authorities would be introduced and the county would benefit from being part of first in place.

A combined authority enables two or more existing councils to work together and make decisions across normal boundaries.

Powers and resources would be devolved to them from national government, and it could mean more money for transport and housing.

The government will make the final decision on any proposed combined authority.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.