Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Strickland Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

The hon. Gentleman knows that we inherited a situation where local councils were underfunded and millions were wasted on duplication. By reforming the system, which is what we are doing, we will save money and reinvest that in improved public services. In response to the hon. Gentleman’s question, we expect the elections in Surrey to be for the new unitary councils, and we will be setting out the planned timetable very shortly.

[Alan Strickland (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor) (Lab)]

Q12.   Central to growing our economy is delivering major events that drive footfall and investment. Does the Prime Minister share my disappointment that since Reform took over the running of Durham county council, it has slashed funding for Durham Pride, which brings in 20,000 people a year—[Interruption.] Reform Members cannot cope with accountability, Mr Speaker. Reform has also cancelled the Lumiere festival, which has brought nearly 1.5 million people into County Durham since it started. This will undermine businesses and communities. Does the Prime Minister agree that if Reform cannot run one county council, it certainly cannot run Scotland, Wales or our United Kingdom?

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out what voters in Durham can see: what people get if they vote Reform is total chaos and broken promises. Councils have a vital role in our communities. It is not just Durham where Reform is doing this; I think four councillors in Kent have just been suspended for bringing the party into disrepute, which is quite something for a party whose Welsh leader accepts Russian bribes to spread Putin’s propaganda.