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Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]

The hon. Gentleman is making an interesting speech and a powerful case. Is there not a risk that the establishment of leaders boards will repeat the mistake made with regard to the regional assemblies? In the south-west at least, there was rarely any kind of contested vote. The proceedings ended up being strongly influenced by officers who spent as much time talking to the Government offices as talking to representatives who had been elected, even in an indirect capacity.