Plans to merge local councils in Nottinghamshire will be beneficial in the long term for the people of Rushcliffe, says the chair of Rushcliffe Labour Party.
Speaking at his party’s annual meeting in West Bridgford, Lewis McAulay told members that the current two-tier structure of a county and boroughs was outdated, and many local residents didn’t fully understand it.
“As a community in Rushcliffe, we’ve got to be open to suggestions,” he said.
“When people realistically look at what the county and districts and boroughs do, they’ll realise the borough doesn’t have much responsibility, yet somewhere like Rushcliffe is holding onto a lot of money.
“What’s new can be challenging and scary for some, but what’s new can also be much better for Rushcliffe.
“In the long term, any changes will be beneficial for the council tax payers of Rushcliffe.”
Mr McAulay, who is also chair of Gotham Parish Council, was elected to serve for a third term to lead Rushcliffe’s constituency Labour Party, which has almost 900 members – one of the largest in the Midlands.
Reviewing the last year, he said it was fantastic to win the General Election and secure James Naish as Rushcliffe’s first Labour MP since 1966. However, he recognised that May’s county council elections had been very disappointing for Labour locally.
“The issue of the Winter Fuel Allowance was difficult for us in Rushcliffe and it took its toll on our vote. But the recent u-turn by the government is welcome and James has worked hard to get the government to think again.”
An active trade unionist and father of three young children, Mr McAulay urged local party members to remain upbeat.
“When the next elections come round, it’ll be for a new authority and that‘ll bring new optimism and energy to our campaigning,” he added.
The Labour Party in Rushcliffe 