The leader of North Yorkshire Council hopes the next Prime Minister will tackle the “disconnect” between the North of England and the London-based government.
Speaking after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation today, Councillor Carl Les said his authority would lobby the new Prime Minister and cabinet members for a better deal from central government for the authority in the future.
He said: “There’s a certain level of crystal ball gazing needed, but if it is Andy Burnham who becomes leader of the Labour Party and then, because of their majority, the next prime Minister, the hope would be that he understands the disconnect that we feel there is between a government based in London and the North.
“And I would hope he closes that gap.”
The Conservative councillor would also like to see the next Prime Minister continue to offer greater devolution to the English regions.
“I would hope that they would be keen on continuing with the devolution journey and that they listen to appeals from northern leaders irrespective of whether we represent big urban conurbations in Yorkshire like Barnsley and Leeds, or the more rural areas.”
North Yorkshire Council’s leadership has repeatedly criticised the Labour government under Keir Starmer over local government funding, citing an estimated £40m annual blow to its budget.
Council leaders have argued that government decisions — including funding formula changes and the withdrawal of the rural services delivery grant — disproportionately penalised rural areas while unfairly favouring urban centres.
Cllr Les said: “It certainly hasn’t been a good government for rural issues, not only farming, but also rural businesses.”
Cllr Les said this political change would require continued engagement from local government, particularly around funding and policy decisions affecting rural authorities.
“We will certainly continue our lobbying activities through our own MPs, and also through our networks, especially the County Councils Network,” he said.
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