There's been an interesting reaction to proposals Stamford and Rutland share an MP
some local Councillors believe there should be even closer links
Last updated 11th Jun 2021
After proposals were announced for the Rutland and Stamford areas to have the same MP, it's now being suggested they could share one council between them.
Several Councillors in Stamford say they feel they have a connection with Rutland and it may make sense for the county council there and South Kesteven District Council to merge.
However others in the area feel they still want to keep ties with Lincolnshire.
There's not been any official proposal the councils could merge.
The Boundary Commission for England’s latest proposals, which bid to increase fair representation in national elections, revealed plans to split the Grantham and Stamford constituency. Instead Stamford would join Rutland in a new ward, while Grantham would remain separate.
Harrish Bisnauthsing, Liberal Democrat South Kesteven District Councillor for Stamford St Mary’s, said the plans “make sense”
but suggested the national changes could also be reflected at a local authority level.
“It’s going to make Rutland closer to Stamford. which I’m pleased about because we have a very alike council and people. It will be very beneficial for Stamford.
He then added “Rutland and south South Kesteven councils coming together would make a nice new authority, probably bringing in South Holland, if you look further down the line.
“Lincolnshire’s too big, it’s too far away from Stamford to serve the town, and the south of this county, properly.” He said the Stamford way of thinking was closer to Rutland, and believed the councils would have a better way of spending and plenty of resources.
Conservative Councillor for Stamford St John’s, Susan Sandall said there had “always been mention” of the two authorities being the same area council-wise.
“Stamford seems a little cut-off because of our location. The people of Stamford look at it as it seems a good idea and we might get a little more done,” She said the new constituency might be “a little difficult” for the MP to cover the same areas councillors were, adding: “I don’t know how it’s going to work to be honest.”
“The people of Stamford want a well-kept town and the facilities available for social shopping, and that’s really more what they’re looking for. The MP will still have concerns and will still be there when they have problems,” she said “The only thing is it’s going to be a little bit difficult for the MP himself if he’s covering a different era to that we councillors are working for. There’s always been mention about Rutland and Stamford being part of the same area council-wise.”
SKDC Labour Group leader Councillor Charmaine Morgan said the boundary review would lead to less representation in Parliament for voters and would not address the “fair allocation of resources” across the country. She called instead for changes to the voting system, and said proportional representation would “make every vote count”.
“What we need are committed local MPs fighting for our communities. The current proposals overall appear less democratic rather than more.
“As we are currently ruled by a government holding a significant majority of seats but minority of votes, there is clearly something wrong with the current system.”
However, leader of South Holland District Council Lord Gary Porter does not think Stamford will leave Lincolnshire.
“Whether people like it or not, Stamford is in Lincolnshire and not Rutland. I find it difficult to see any changes coming there. They tried that before and it didn’t go down very well. They are proud of their independence over there. I don’t think this is a precursor to springing Stamford out of Lincolnshire.”
MP for Rutland Alicia Kearns said: “Like residents, I will be taking time to study the proposals. Rutland, Melton, the Vale and our Harborough villages are uniquely wonderful, and any boundary changes must protect and enhance services, representation and support for our residents. I am committed to our communities as your representative in Parliament and continue to work as hard as I can to deliver the very best for all of us.”
Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We will be looking at the proposals in detail including those for Stamford before deciding on our reply to the consultation by August 2. We’ll be responding in the best interests of the county as a whole and its residents.”