Voice of the Opposition
Cllr George Perfect on the new year, devolution, and the opportunities for his party
Editor’s note: Each month, we present a guest column from one of Medway’s elected representatives, rotating between our MPs, council and opposition leaders, and the Police and Crime Commissioner. Today, for our first Voice piece of the year, we welcome Medway Council Leader of the Opposition George Perfect, who talks about the new year, devolution, and the opportunities for his party.
Voice of the Opposition
by Cllr George Perfect, Conservative Leader of the Opposition at Medway Council
I am really pleased to be writing this Voice of the Opposition on New Year’s Day, at the start of a new year. A new year with new opportunities, but of course, new challenges. 2024 was quite the year for me, but of course the highlight becoming our Group Leader.
I wanted to reflect firstly on what was a special end to the year in Medway. As always, the Christmas events across all five towns and villages did not disappoint. From the annual tractor run on the Peninsula to the Rochester Christmas markets and the festive events at St Margaret’s Church in Rainham, there was such a wealth of things to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed the Chatham Historic Dockyard’s Carol Service, marking the end of a historic fortieth anniversary year for the Trust. As ever the Dean of Rochester Cathedral, Very Rev Dr Philip Hesketh, delivered a moving and thought-provoking Christmas address.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone working within the emergency and public services as well as the voluntary sector for their work throughout the festive period, keeping us healthy and safe, and providing essential services around the clock. Particularly this year in Strood, where there was a herculean effort from Medway Council officers in staffing Strood Sports Centre on Christmas Day to ensure those without water could have a shower.
Since my last Voice of the Opposition, my party has elected a new Leader in Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP. As a party, since the election I have spoken of the massive challenges we have ahead of us, but also, the tremendous opportunity. As a party, we will of course fulfil our key role as His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition but will be building a movement around Kemi and the wider party, to ensure our values are expressed across the country and we can win the elections where they matter. We have seen the importance of this since the election, whether it be the cruel removal of winter fuel payments, the family farm tax or indeed, the anti-business national insurance rises, the role of an effective opposition in Westminster is more important than ever. I look forward to welcoming Kemi to Medway at the earliest opportunity.
I was pleased to welcome a good friend and our new Co-Chair of The Conservative Party, Lord Johnson of Lainston, to Medway last month for what was his first visit in his new role. I was able to update him on the progress we have made locally as Medway Conservatives in the last twelve months, with updated political priorities, a new and driven Shadow Cabinet, and a steadfast commitment to holding the Labour and Co-Operative administration to account.
Our first electoral test will come soon with the by-elections in Gillingham South and Rochester East and Warren Wood on the 6th February, and I was delighted to be part of the selection process for three fantastic candidates. I will be out on the doorsteps with our candidates in the coming weeks, making the case for electing three local Conservative champions committed to holding the administration to account.
Of course, the end of last year also saw the English devolution white paper. I was pleased to attend the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference back in October and hear about the government’s plan for local government from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister Jim McMahon, as well as observations from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat front-bench teams.
The white paper will have profound consequences on Medway but, I do genuinely believe, opportunities too. As an opposition, we have committed to working with the Leader of the Council, as well as colleagues across the county council and the districts and boroughs to ensure that Medway gets the absolute best outcome from the changes ahead. I believe as an effective opposition we have a duty to engage positively and pragmatically on the matter of local government reorganisation and ensure that the people of Medway have a fair say in the conurbation’s future.
Medway Conservatives are firm believers in unitary authorities. However, we are clear, any future changes must have the support from the districts and boroughs, must make financial sense, and services cannot suffer whilst any local government reorganisation takes place. These three tests will drive my engagement on the future of local government and the devolution settlement in our area.
I am sure I will have more to say on this in the months (and, likely, years!) ahead.
2025 will be a big and important year for Medway, but I am proud to lead a strong and effective opposition, holding the administration to account every day. I want to particularly thank my brilliant team, including Deputy Leader Gary Hackwell, Chief Whip Barry Kemp, and my wider Shadow Cabinet for their tremendous support and leadership last year. Whether it be Habib Tejan ensuring the Council debates the impact of the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance, Andrew Lawrence giving a vital voice to local schools and residents through the school street call-in, or David Wildey ensuring the NHS are held to account, I’m proud to lead a dedicated team committed to serving people in Medway for the betterment of our towns. In addition to local government reorganisation, we are now focused on the Medway Council Budget in February – the first with Labour in government, holding three Parliamentary seats, and the Council. Promises have been made, but will they deliver? Time will tell.
In closing, I wish all Local Authority readers a very Happy New Year and all best wishes for the year ahead.
Cllr George Perfect is the Leader of the Opposition at Medway Council and Conservative councillor for Rainham North.