MP Alicia Kearns Tables Amendment to Safeguard Rutland's Ceremonial County Status

MP Alicia Kearns Tables Amendment to Safeguard Rutland's Ceremonial County Status

In a decisive move to protect Rutland's unique identity amid looming government reforms, Alicia Kearns MP for Rutland and Stamford has tabled a critical amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The amendment seeks to ensure the continuation of Rutland's Ceremonial County status, regardless of the outcome of proposed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) which could see the county lose its independent council.

The action comes in response to growing concerns among Rutlanders that the proposed reorganisation, supported by the leadership of Rutland Council, would strip the county of its identity alongside its administrative independence.

In a letter dated November 19, 2025, to Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Alicia Kearns highlighted the urgency of the situation. She noted that while the Government has provided "vague commitments" to act if necessary, they have yet to offer a concrete legislative guarantee.

"The Government keeps giving us vague commitments that they’ll act if they need to. I’m giving them an immediate way to end our concerns and protect our identity as Rutland by adopting my amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill," stated Alicia Kearns.

Legislative Solution: Amending the Lieutenancies Act 1997

The core of the issue lies in how Rutland currently holds its Ceremonial County status. Unlike most counties, Rutland's status is derived from its 1997 unitary re-establishment, not a direct reference in the Lieutenancies Act 1997. The LGR poses a threat because it could be argued that the abolition of the unitary authority dissolves the basis for the ceremonial status.

To fix this, Ms. Kearns has tabled a simple Clause to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that would amend the Lieutenancies Act 1997 to directly reference Rutland as a County with a Lord Lieutenant.

"If passed, this Clause would ensure the continuation of Rutland's Ceremonial County status regardless of the outcome of Local Government Reorganisation," the letter explains.

Protecting Heritage and Resolving Concerns

The MP's letter acknowledges the Minister's recognition of Rutland's "long and proud heritage" and the strength of local feeling on the matter. Ms. Kearns is now urging the Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting local identities by backing her amendment, formally known as NC47, at the Bill's Report Stage.

"It would also give Rutlanders reassurance that the Government is determined to protect local identities and resolve one of the pressing concerns regarding Local Government Re-organisation," she wrote.

By seizing this legislative opportunity now, Alicia Kearns argues there is "no benefit or reason to delay" in resolving an issue that has been a major source of anxiety for the local community as the prospect of administrative change draws nearer.