Leicester council expansion plan triggers protests and market stall controversy

More than 150 residents and councillors from several parties gathered outside Leicestershire County Council headquarters in Glenfield on August 6 to protest the government's plan to expand Leicester's city boundaries into surrounding towns and villages. The proposal, set to take effect in April 2028, would abolish existing councils and create a new expanded Leicester council alongside a separate council for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland. Opponents, including Conservative MPs such as Dr Luke Evans, warned of higher council taxes, strained services and noted that 88 % of consulted residents oppose the move.

At the same time, Leicester City Council's plan to increase market stalls from 48 to 72 at the redeveloped Leicester Market has been criticised by traders. Paul Abbott, a long‑time market trader, called the expansion "unnecessary" and a "waste of time and money", fearing it could hurt existing stalls and reduce sales. Traders argue the council should focus on reopening the original market rather than adding new stalls.