Leicestershire County Council has delivered a resounding message to the Government and Leicester City Council: residents do not want to be dragged into a boundary expansion that will harm county communities. At a highly charged extraordinary meeting, councillors voted 23–22 to formally oppose any future expansion of Leicester City’s boundaries. The motion, led by the Conservative official opposition, received crucial support from Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent councillors, demonstrating cross-party unity in defence of the county. All Reform UK councillors opposed the motion, while Labour’s Jewel Miah abstained.
The debate was wide-ranging but clear in its outcome: county residents do not want to be absorbed into a city authority that is “teetering on the edge of bankruptcy” after decades of Labour mismanagement. Communities in Ratby, Groby, Syston, Birstall, Glenfield and beyond have voiced deep concerns about the loss of county identity, declining services and higher council tax bills. One resident noted they moved to the county 38 years ago and saw their council tax halved compared to city rates, illustrating the financial stakes at play.
Conservative group leader Cllr Deborah Taylor, who proposed the motion, called the city’s plan a “financially motivated land grab” designed to plug gaps in Leicester City Council’s crumbling budget:
“This is about protecting our residents. Any city expansion would suck money out of county areas into the city, making our residents poorer with worse services. Our communities should not be forced back into the city against their will.”
Several councillors stressed that Leicestershire County Council, despite being historically underfunded, has a proud record of delivering high-quality services for the most vulnerable. Allowing the city to annex parts of the county would decimate the council’s tax base, leaving less money for children’s services, care for the elderly and other essential provisions.
Ahead of the meeting, around 40 residents joined Conservative councillors in a peaceful protest outside County Hall. Many had signed petitions against the city’s expansion, adding their voices to a growing movement that has made its opposition abundantly clear.
The debate also touched on the future structure of local government in Leicestershire. The Conservative group reaffirmed its support for a single, county-wide unitary authority, the most cost-effective and efficient option. Splitting the county into north and south administrations would only duplicate senior staff costs, dismantle high-performing departments and deliver poorer outcomes for taxpayers. Modelling work is now underway to produce a detailed financial case by September.
While some argued that city expansion is inevitable and called for negotiation, Conservative councillors rejected defeatism. They emphasised that standing firm sends a critical message to the Government and MPs that Leicestershire must not be carved up for political convenience. Calls for a local referendum were also dismissed, as Government guidance makes clear such polls would carry no weight in final decisions.
This meeting was not about political point-scoring; it was about the future of the county. Cross-party support for the motion underlined that residents’ concerns cut across party lines. As Cllr Taylor concluded:
“The people have spoken, and the County Council has now spoken. We will not stand by while Leicester City Council attempts to balance its books on the backs of county taxpayers.”
Today’s vote is a victory for residents and a demonstration that, under Conservative leadership, Leicestershire’s communities will not be abandoned. The fight is far from over, but residents can be assured that the Conservative group will continue to lead the charge against city expansion and for a fair, sustainable future for the entire county.
