Dan Harrison says we “have to negotiate” with Leicester’s Sir Peter Soulsby, not to stop the city’s land grab, but to decide how much of Leicestershire we’re willing to hand over. That isn’t leadership. It’s surrender, dressed up as pragmatism.
At this week’s extraordinary council meeting, councillors from every opposition political group (Conservatives, Lib Dems, Greens, Labour and Independents), stood together to oppose the expansion of Leicester’s borders. The message from residents was clear: no annexation, no absorption into a near bankrupt, Labour-run city.
Yet every Reform UK councillor, including Harrison, voted against the motion. Instead of leading a defence of Leicestershire, Harrison tabled a last-minute amendment to give total control to just nine cabinet members. He told the chamber it would come back to council, but the wording of the amendment said the complete opposite. Misleading, undemocratic, and deeply concerning. Reform was defeated, both on their disingenuous amendment and on the motion that will defend Leicestershire : 23 in favour 22 against (Reform).
Meanwhile, Reform is visibly divided. Members of Harrison’s own cabinet have been liking posts opposing expansion and privately thanking Conservative councillors for forcing the issue into the open. His authority is crumbling, built not on principle or ability, but on fragile political deals.
And what has he delivered in three months?
– No consultation with the public.
– No referendum question.
– No plan.
– No defence.
This chaos hands power straight to Sir Peter Soulsby. And make no mistake, if Harrison caves, it will drag hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses into a city they’ve never voted for, draining the county’s tax base and undermining essential services.
Leicestershire needs real leadership, someone who will:
1. Respect the council’s democratic process, not try to bypass it with backroom deals and misleading amendments.
2. Hold a proper public consultation so residents can be heard before any plan is sent to Government.
3. Unite the county against Leicester’s land grab, not quietly concede behind closed doors.
4. Protect vital services for vulnerable adults and children by defending the tax base of the county.
As Churchill said, “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth.” Yet Harrison still thinks he can negotiate with the Labour Mayor, while his own party fragments and the city tightens its grip.
The time for indecision is over.
No more gimmicks. No more surrender.
Leicestershire deserves better.
