Minister of State for Local Government & English Devolution
Kingston upon Thames Council is opposing the government's push for a Leader and Cabinet system, which the Minister of State for Local Government & English Devolution advocates.
Kingston upon Thames Council unanimously voted in November 2025 to oppose the government's push for all councils to adopt a Leader and Cabinet system, reaffirming its commitment to the committee system. This decision was made in response to the government's intention to abolish the committee system via Clause 57 and Schedule 25 of the English Devolution and Community Act.
The council had previously voiced its opposition in October 2025 to the government's plans to mandate the Strong Leader and Cabinet model. A report to the council disputed the Minister of State for Local Government & English Devolution's characterisation of the committee system as unclear, duplicative, and wasteful.
Key facts
- Kingston upon Thames Council voted unanimously to oppose the government's push for a Leader and Cabinet system in November 2025. Source
- The decision was made at the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on 27 November 2025. Source
- The government intends to abolish the committee system via Clause 57 and Schedule 25 of the English Devolution and Community Act. Source
- Kingston Council voiced its opposition to the government's plans to abolish the committee system in October 2025. Source
- The Minister of State for Local Government & English Devolution has described the committee system as unclear, duplicative, and wasteful. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.