Broughton Astley pensioner makes last-ditch attempt to stop Government overhaul of Leicestershire authorities
A pensioner from Broughton Astley is making a last-ditch attempt to save “endangered councils” as a Government decision on controversial changes to local Government structure looms.
Westminster is expected to decide how the county’s politics will be reorganised by the close of Parliament this month.
After mandating that the two-tier system of governance Leicestershire currently has will be abolished, ministers have three proposals for new large mega authorities to choose from as part of its move for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
While the borough and district councils have made a bid for the county to be split in two, the Reform administration at Leicestershire County Council are backing a large “donut” authority around the city.
Meanwhile, Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby suggests the city boundaries should be expanded.
Dr John Peirson, 74, from Broughton Astley, has been rallying residents in the city centre to fight against the so-called “land grab” and the abolition of Leicestershire’s smaller councils which he claims are now “endangered” due to LGR.
The proposals would see Dr Peirson’s district council of Harborough abolished and the city boundary brought right to his doorstep.
He feels the Government’s overhaul is “unjustified”.
He said: “It’s their obligation to prove this is useful. How would anything get better in one big blob?
“It doesn’t stack up with common sense and certainly doesn’t stack up with local democracy. People are being abused in terms of having their local democracy smashed to pieces.
“I would much rather have the organisations that already exist with improvements if needed.”
Supporters would argue that the changes would actually make life easier for residents, streamlining services and saving money.
Dr Peirson says securing signatures on his petition has been difficult since the introduction of the city council’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which prohibits unauthorised structures such as campaign tables or banners.
His friend Heather Rawling was issued a £100 fine in May 2025 when she was protesting budget cuts but has since had the charges dropped.
Dr Peirson added: “You’re on your own with nothing to present. It’s ridiculous.”
He has since launched a further petition urging the city council to review the structures forbidden under the PSPO.
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