Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 10 June 202609:30

Local government reform

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

Neil O'Brien has secured a Westminster Hall debate on local government reform. The debate will examine how local councils are structured, funded, and empowered to deliver services. As a senior Conservative figure, O'Brien is likely to challenge the Labour government's approach to local government and press for reforms that strengthen council finances and devolved decision-making.

Local government reform affects every council in England and shapes how millions of people access services from waste collection to social care. The debate reflects broader tension over whether councils should have more financial independence from central government or whether the Treasury should tighten control. O'Brien's intervention signals Conservative pressure on Labour over town halls' fiscal sustainability.

Local Government Tax & Public Finances

MPs most likely to speak

David SimmondsConservative and Unionist Party

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Shadow Levelling Up — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on local-government, fiscal-policy, economy-jobs (198 times, 40pts); Known positions: local-government: questioning, local-government: opposed, local-government: neutral (30pts)Voting record

Dame Harriett BaldwinConservative and Unionist Party

West Worcestershire

Shadow Business and Trade — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Venue: 15 Westminster Hall debates (×0.7); Spoken on local-government, fiscal-policy, economy-jobs (204 times, 28pts); Known positions: economy-jobs: opposed, fiscal-policy: opposed, economy-jobs: questioning (21pts); Committee: treasury committee (20pts)Voting record

Chris BryantLabour Party

Rhondda and Ogmore

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on local-government, fiscal-policy, economy-jobs (133 times, 40pts); Known positions: technology: supportive, economy-jobs: supportive, economy-jobs: neutral (30pts)Voting record

Neil O'BrienConservative and Unionist Party

Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

Debate sponsor/lead member (calendar Members field)Voting record

Alison HumeLabour Party

Scarborough and Whitby

Spoken on local-government, fiscal-policy, economy-jobs (118 times, 40pts); Known positions: economy-jobs: supportive, labour-market: supportive, technology: supportive (30pts); Committee: backbench business committee (20pts)Voting record

Local government reform

MPs most likely to speak

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