Angela Rayner pledges Labour will give people a ‘bigger stake’ in the future of their areas

A Labour government will empower local communities to make decisions affecting their future, according to Deputy Leader Angela Rayner. In a speech at the Local Government Association (LGA) conference, Rayner will announce that under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, local people will have more control and a “bigger stake” in shaping their towns, cities, and neighbourhoods.

Rayner’s address will highlight Labour’s commitment to devolving more powers from Westminster, with the promise of a new bill in the first King’s Speech of a Labour administration. This initiative, dubbed the “Take Back Control Bill” by Starmer, mirrors the Brexit slogan of the Leave campaign and is part of Labour’s broader plan to decentralise authority and enable communities to direct their own future.

The announcement follows Labour’s strong performance in local elections earlier this year, where the party became the largest at the council level in England. Rayner’s speech will emphasise the party’s intention to deliver “genuine devolution” in its first term, ensuring that decisions that impact local wealth and development are made by those who have “skin in the game.”

In a sharp critique of current government policies, Rayner will call out the economic insecurity and housing shortages under the Conservative government, which she claims has stifled opportunity. She will also celebrate the success of Labour’s local election victories, framing them as the beginning of a “new era” for the party.

Responding to the speech, a Conservative spokesman accused Labour of political opportunism, highlighting what they described as contradictions in the party’s stance on local decision-making and housing policies. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove is also expected to speak at the LGA conference.