The Government has now published its final proposals for local government reorganisation across Leicester and Leicestershire. I want to be absolutely clear: I believe this is the wrong decision, and I will not stop fighting it.
Under these plans, the whole of the Borough of Oadby & Wigston, together with Great Glen, Wistow, Newton Harcourt and Little Stretton, will be removed from the county and absorbed into an expanded Leicester City Council.
These are communities with their own proud histories, identities and traditions. They are not simply an extension of Leicester, and they deserve to have their voices heard.
I have opposed these plans from the very beginning. I have challenged Ministers directly, secured a debate in Parliament, written repeatedly to the Government and fought this proposal at every opportunity.
Despite overwhelming local opposition, Ministers have chosen to press ahead.
This is a new county-wide Parliamentary petition. It is separate from my previous survey and the Government's consultation. By signing below, you are adding your name to a formal petition that I will present on the floor of the House of Commons, ensuring Parliament hears directly from local residents who oppose these plans. The other Conservative MPs in the county are also collecting signatures and we will present a united Parliamentary petition.
The more signatures we receive, the stronger the message we can send to Ministers that our communities should not be redrawn against the wishes of the people who live here. We have a new Prime Minister and we don't know whether he will press ahead with this if there is strong local opposition.
Once the petition has gathered as many signatures as possible, I will formally present it in the House of Commons. This is one of the most direct ways an MP can place the views of constituents before Parliament, and I intend to make sure your voice is heard.
Our towns and villages have their own identities, their own histories and their own futures. They should not be absorbed into Leicester City against the clearly expressed wishes of local people.
Please sign my Parliamentary petition today and help me continue the fight against Leicester expansion.