A petition to stop the absorption of Warwickshire County Council (WCC) into the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
We the undersigned:
- Demand that Warwickshire is not absorbed into the WMCA and run by a Mayor almost 30 miles away.
- Insist that any discussions held between the WMCA and Warwickshire County Council are held openly and transparently.
- Demand that a referendum is held so the public can have their say on any proposed plans.
The revelation that behind closed doors discussions were taking place between the Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street regarding WCC joining the WMCA is alarming.
There is no appetite amongst Warwickshire residents to be ruled by a Mayor almost 30 miles away and have this decision imposed upon them. It will also be hugely expensive for Warwickshire taxpayers – membership is expected to cost Warwickshire County Council £650,000 per year. The five District/Borough councils will be expected to contribute on top of this too. This is money that should be spent on Warwickshire, which could end up being spent in Birmingham, Coventry or elsewhere.
The question of why this is happening now will come to mind for many residents. The reality is that the Andy Street is doing what the Conservatives do best, playing political games to further their own interests. The attempts to bring in Warwickshire and Shropshire to the WMCA is an attempt to shore up Conservative support for Andy Street in the May 2024 Mayoral election.
If not, there would be no such urgency to get this change through ahead of then. Why not wait until after the Mayoral election in May 2024 and the General Election that is likely to follow? It should not be possible for authorities to change boundaries less than a year ahead of an election. It is blatant gerrymandering.
Voters in Warwickshire deserve a say on their future. Any plans that go forward regarding Warwickshire County Council joining the West Midlands Combined Authority should be put to the public in a referendum in line with the Mayoral election next year.
It’s so important Warwickshire residents make their voices heard and tell Andy Street we don’t want to be a part of his political games.
Please scroll down and sign below to make your voice heard.
