Further Leicestershire MPs add backing to Devolution calls

Two more Leicestershire MPs have added their backing to Devolution Leicestershire’s campaign. 

Peter Bedford, MP for Mid Leicestershire, and Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East, have added their voice to calls for devolved powers and funding in the region.

Mr Bedford said: “We need a proper Devolution deal that sits on top of the councils we already have and brings real money, real powers and real growth to our area.”

Shivani Raja said: “Leicester deserves a Devolution deal that gives our local communities the real powers and investment needed to supercharge growth and unlock our regional economy.”

The two Conservative MPs are the latest to add their support.

Labour MPs Liz Kendall (Leicester West), Amanda Hack (North West Leicestershire) and Jeevun Sandher (Loughbrough) previously called for faster action on Devo for LLR.

Calls for the creation of a Strategic Mayoral Authority for the area have been gathering pace since the summer.

The leaders of all ten councils within the LLR region co-authored and signed a letter sent to First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner at the end of last month. 

A Strategic Mayor for the region would see decision-making powers devolved from Whitehall and a likely increase in funding opportunities for projects including housing, transport and skills.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said he would like to see Devolution in Leicestershire as soon as possible.