Speaking on the English devolution white paper, Councillor Perfect, Leader of the Opposition commented:
The white paper will have profound consequences on Medway but, I do genuinely believe, opportunities too. As an opposition, we have committed to working pragmatically with the Leader of the Council, as well as colleagues across the county council and the districts and boroughs to ensure that Medway gets the absolute best outcome from the changes ahead. Being within the priority programme for devolution and local government reorganisation gives Kent and Medway the best chance to shape its future. I thank the Leader of the Council, Conservative Group Leader colleagues across Kent, and the Shadow Ministerial team for engagement so far on the future for Kent and Medway.
Medway Conservatives are firm believers in unitary authorities. However, we are clear, any future changes must have the support from the districts and boroughs, must make financial sense, and services cannot suffer whilst any local government reorganisation takes place. These three tests will drive my engagement on the future of local government and the devolution settlement in our area.
