Cllr Shazna Muzaummil is the Leader of the Conservative Group on Milton Keynes City Council and a former parliamentary candidate.
The exclusion of Milton Keynes from the Devolution Priority Programme is not just a missed opportunity – it is a critical moment that puts our entire region’s future at risk. As we now grapple with the repercussions of this failed bid, it is clear that strained relationships, miscalculated leadership decisions, and lost opportunities, have left Milton Keynes and its neighbouring authorities in an uncertain position.
At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental question: how can regional partnerships thrive when key principles of collaboration are ignored? The failure of the recent devolution bid for the Bedford, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Central Bedfordshire (BLMK) model highlights a wider issue – the fragility of partnerships when political self-interest over-rides strategic cooperation.
Milton Keynes City Council, under its Labour leadership, put forward a devolution proposal linking Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. However, this proposal was rejected for failing to meet the Government’s preference for a broader regional partnership. Crucially, it abandoned a long-standing model of cooperation that had included all six South Midlands authorities – Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, West Northamptonshire, and North Northamptonshire.
The decision to exclude the Northamptonshire authorities was a significant gamble by the Labour Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland. It disrupted years of regional collaboration and created deep divisions among key stakeholders. Worse still, it undermined the collective bargaining power of Milton Keynes and its neighbours, reducing the region’s ability to secure transformative investment and greater local decision-making powers.
This is more than just a bureaucratic setback; it is a wake-up call about the risks of fragmented leadership and unbalanced partnerships.
The principle of devolution is something we support—localised decision-making has the power to transform services, create jobs, and drive economic growth. However, devolution must be based on democratic legitimacy and inclusive partnerships, not rushed proposals designed to serve narrow political interests.
A report commissioned by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) was published on 13th July 2021, focusing on the economic impact of SEMLEP’s £265 million Local Growth Fund (LGF) investment programme. This multi-million-pound funding has supported 55 capital projects across the area between 2015 and 2021, aimed at enhancing business growth and productivity, funding new transport schemes and homes, and generating new jobs and opportunities for students.
The impact of the Local Growth Fund (LGF) projects has been significant:
These figures illustrate the profound impact of strategic investment on the region’s economy, education, and workforce development.
Cllr Pete Marland, Council Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, has previously championed the collaborative model, stating, “We need strong partnerships like these to drive economic growth and boost job prospects in our city and across the region”. However, his recent U-turn regarding the exclusion of Northamptonshire from the BLMK bid has led us to a troubling situation.
The decision to exclude Northamptonshire from the BLMK bid disrupted a model that had a proven track record of success. It was a political gamble that relied on selective alliances rather than a strategic vision for the entire region. Even figures like Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton (Bedford Borough), who initially supported the proposal, later expressed concerns about the imbalance of power within the partnership.
The failure of the BLMK devolution bid provides an important lesson in how partnerships can break down. Several key issues contributed to this failure:
The failure of the BLMK bid should serve as a warning—but it must also be an opportunity for us to rebuild. Milton Keynes cannot afford to be left behind. The way forward requires:
Milton Keynes has a proud history of innovation and growth. However, recent political miscalculations have put our city at risk of being left out of the next stage of devolution. If we want to secure the investment and decision-making powers that our region deserves, we must move beyond political gamesmanship and focus on genuine collaboration.
The failure of the BLMK bid is not the end of the road – but it is a clear signal that we need to change course. By restoring trust, working together, and prioritising our residents, we can build a stronger, more effective partnership that will drive real progress for Milton Keynes and the wider South Midlands region.
Now is the time for leadership that puts people before politics. If we fail to act, we risk losing control over our own future. Let’s make sure Milton Keynes does not fall behind.