Latest news with #Soulsby
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Deputy chief minister to stand down at election
Deputy Chief Minister Heidi Soulsby has announced she will stand down at the 2025 general election in Guernsey. After 13 years in the States, Soulsby, vice-president of the Policy and Resources Committee, said she was ready to "look for new challenges outside of politics". Soulsby said there had been "frustrating and disappointing moments" during her political career, but it had been an "honour and a privilege". "I have always believed that politicians should serve a maximum of three consecutive terms before taking a break and, as I have approached the end of this one, I feel it is the right thing for me to do," she said. Soulsby added: "I have put my heart and soul into the role of people's deputy, but I am ready to take time out to look for new challenges outside of politics where I hope I can make a positive impact." She began her career as chairwoman of the Public Accounts Committee before progressing to become the president of the Committee for Health and Social Care and subsequently deputy chief minister. "It is quite possible that I will stand again in the future but, for now, it is for others to come up with new workable ideas, try to solve current and future problems and be held accountable for their decisions. It won't be easy," she added. "I wish those who are elected in June all the best in the next term. I will be watching with interest." The next Guernsey general election will take place on 18 June 2025. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Future Guernsey 'movement' launches its policies Guernsey charities set out election priorities Polling officers sought for Guernsey election Guernsey general election proposed for June 2025 Guernsey Election 2025 States of Guernsey
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor unveils proposal for expanded city boundary
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has unveiled proposals to expand the city's political boundaries. The Labour politician has proposed a new political map that would see the city's present boundaries move outwards into suburban areas currently part of neighbouring councils. The proposal will be lodged with the government, which plans to streamline local government and have a mayor for every region of England. Under the plan, revealed on Wednesday, Leicester's current population of 372,000 would increase to 623,000 by 2028, the city council said. Parts of Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Blaby District Council would merge with the city to form a new unitary authority The city council said the expansion would be needed to provide land for "future housing growth". Soulsby said Leicester was one of the most tightly constrained major cities in the UK. He added: "Critically, our almost uniquely constrained boundary means that now – unlike comparable cities – we have no chance of delivering the extra housing that our city so desperately needs within existing confines. "The county and district councils all know that the existing city boundary makes no sense and has to change." The city council has proposed the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland should fall under a single council serving a population of 578,000. Leicestershire County Council has already outlined proposals to create one unitary authority for the whole county - replacing itself and the districts and boroughs - sitting around the city's current boundaries. The districts' favoured model is for three unitary councils across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. A North Leicestershire and Rutland council would serve the area currently covered by Charnwood borough, North West Leicestershire district, Melton borough and Rutland County Council. A separate South Leicestershire council would cover the areas of Blaby district, Harborough district, Hinckley and Bosworth borough and Oadby and Wigston borough councils. Leicester city would remain unchanged. Both proposals are now open for public consultation on the respective council websites. Authorities are proposing more public engagement in the summer, as final proposals for local government reform must be submitted by 28 November 2025. Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Leicester City Council Mayor proposes expanding city's boundary Rival plans emerge to reorganise Leicestershire
BBC News
01-03-2025
- BBC News
Scooters and illegal e-bikes seized in Leicester day of action
A crackdown on illegal vehicles in Leicester city centre is making "a real difference", according to mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.A day of enforcement was carried out on Wednesday by Leicestershire Police and resulted in nine e-scooters and 12 illegal e-bikes being action is part of the force's ongoing Operation Pedalfast which has seized a total of 64 illegal vehicles which should not be driven on public land since said Leicester City Council "welcomes" the action and is working to support the enforcement. He said the council has produced leaflets on what makes an e-bike illegal and why e-scooters are banned, which have been distributed to council is also advertising these rules on digital screens across the city centre. Neighbourhood policing commander for Leicester city centre Insp Ryan Ludlam said the need for the operation showed "the extent of the problem" and that the force was seizing unlawful vehicles "without warning".Soulsby said: "I very much welcome this initiative and am grateful to Leicestershire Police for the work they are doing to tackle the use of illegal e-bikes and scooters in the city centre."Three operations to seize illegal vehicles have taken place in the last month or so, and they have already made a real difference to the city centre."A four week consultation into wider issues of anti-social behaviour in the city centre finished on Monday 17 February. This came after Soulsby had sworn to use "all the tools at his disposal" to deal with an increase in issues including street drinking, begging and "irresponsible" proposal to tackle the issues is a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which would grant greater powers to the police and council, including fines of £100 against those causing a nuisance, or up to £1,000 if prosecuted. A three-year PSPO could be introduced on 1 April if backed.A total of 1,139 people took part in the PSPOs could be looked at in other parts of the city at a later date, Soulsby added.
