The Government's English Devolution White Paper proposes to abolish two-tier authorities and small unitary counties like Rutland County Council to create larger unitary county councils with a minimum of 500,000 people.
My public meetings on the future of Rutland I held earlier this year made it clear that we will not accept having our identity stripped from us - our ceremonial status must be protected at all costs. We must make clear Government we are Rutlanders and intend to stay as such and put a stop to the Government stripping us of our identity.
Thank you to everyone who signed our petition to #SaveRutland. The presentation in Parliament marked the culmination of six weeks of community spirit and determination. With over 7,000 signatures, it was without a doubt one of the biggest wet-signature petitions Parliament has received in the 21st Century, which for the smallest county in the country says a lot!
Until the Government delivers on its words that it would protect our ceremonial county status, I will not stop fighting.
Our motto is Multum in Parvo: Much in Little. We are asking the Government for just a little, which would mean so very much.
