At a meeting on Wednesday 5th November, every single Labour Party councillor at South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) voted to abolish the council, and with it, the voice of our district’s residents.
In a move buried under talk of “efficiency” and “streamlining”, the Labour administration blindly endorsed the national government’s plan to scrap SDDC from 2028, merging us into a sprawling new super-authority with:
- Derby City Council
- Amber Valley and Erewash Borough Councils
That means decisions that affect our communities in places like Melbourne, Repton, Swadlincote and the rest of South Derbyshire will soon be made miles away, by people with little understanding of our towns, villages, or rural communities.
No Opposition from Labour or Lib Dems
Not one Labour councillor spoke up for local residents.
Not one voice raised in defence of South Derbyshire’s identity, services, or priorities.
They waved our council away without hesitation, equaled by Lib Dem abstentions refusing to take a firm stand against this disastrous decision.
Who Stood Up for South Derbyshire?
Every other councillor in the chamber opposed the move.
Tonight has showed a clear message. Conservatives are the only party locally committed to South Derbyshire:
- Keeping decision-making local
- Protecting South Derbyshire jobs and services
- Ensuring rural and village voices aren’t drowned out by distant city politics
- Preserving the identity and autonomy of our district
The message from Labour was clear: South Derbyshire isn’t worth defending.
A Council Betrayed
For over 50 years, SDDC has served local residents, protected our communities, and represented our interests.
On Wednesday night, the Labour administration signed its death warrant.
South Derbyshire deserve better than being handed over to an administrative mega-merger without a fight.
If the Labour won’t stand up for North Derbyshire, the Conservative Party will.
