Town and parish councils were established by an Act of Parliament in 1894, with representatives duly elected by the people.
Over the years, the rules have been tinkered with, but nothing on the scale that is being proposed this year.
This is called devolution. There has been no problem since 1894. It has served its purpose for the people, one way or another.
This change is nothing more than an act of desperation that will be forced onto the people by those who seek gain for themselves or to cover up their failings.
For the government, it is a desperate cop-out.
By doing so, this government, and whoever is in power in the future, can say without equivocation: "We entrusted devolution with county councils, with the power of self-determination.
Don't come crying to us if things go wrong—you voted for it."
Of course, you will have many, like Cllr Nick Adams-King, advocating for change.
But what he and other pro-devolutionists do not tell you is that, by dressing the devolution wolf in sheep's clothing, the wolf will come back and bite the voters in the backside.
This will destroy democracy by stealth at the local city and town level—a position held since 1894.
It will all be handed to country bumpkins and student politicians, who will have no idea how to deal with 500,000 people.
While this is going on, in Southampton, Portsmouth, and the surrounding areas, all will have to take a back seat.
There is no other reason for it.
For example, Southampton City Council, like Portsmouth, will become puppets to a regime that will have no expertise in running a huge area for the benefit of the people, no matter how pretty they paint the picture of devolution.
It is a falsehood and a distraction from the serious consequences of the 2025 election.
Both the Labour and Tory parties have lost the plot of governance.
If this devolution is to work properly, we need a people-elected mayor with the power to stop stupidity in its tracks.
This person should not have allegiance to any political party, secret society, or business interests, to prevent conflicts of interest.
The mayor must have the power to direct the crime and justice system using zero tolerance, to destroy the half-baked measures that allow criminals to escape proper justice.
Failing that, this devolution of democracy is nothing more than a scam.
Nothing will ever change, and all the problems residents have encountered over the years will remain the same, if not worse.
I do not trust any politician on devolution.
I, for one, would gladly take up the challenge to become mayor, to stand up robustly and steadfastly for the people, with no fear or favour.
Mark my words—if this devolution is not stopped, woe betide you all.
David J Hacking
Archers Road
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel