Peter Black AM writes: Labour’s local government plans are a ‘political stitch-up’
Today the Welsh Labour Government publish their proposals for reorganising local councils. Peter Black AM, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Local Government Minister, reacts below…
The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe that Wales has too many councils, many of which are too small and are underperforming. However, if councils are going to be larger, then it is essential that they reflect the people that voted for them.
Without introducing a fair voting system and the devolution of powers to local communities, this whole reorganisation process is pointless.
Not once does the Welsh Government’s consultation document make mention to a fairer voting system. This is humiliating for Plaid who supported the reorganisation plans, yet have achieved literally nothing in return.
While we recognise the need for local government reorganisation, the lines on the map shouldn’t be drawn by politicians. Rather than Leighton Andrews trying to stitch this process up to benefit Labour, he should instead give the independent Boundary Commission the task of coming up with a fresh map.
