Interview with Pete Marland

Pete Marland is currently (2019) the leader of Milton Keynes Council. Arriving in MK in 2007, he first commuted to work for a Labour MP & Minister. He then left politics for accountancy work, which gave him insights into decision-making outside politics. In 2011 he became Labour councillor for Wolverton. He recalls Council changes between 2011 and 2014 as a new generation replaced long-standing councillors like Kevin Wilson. In 2013 Pete became leader of the Labour group, and hence at the 2014 election, the Leader of the Council. Issues under discussion in 2014 were MK50 preparation; city streets versus the grid roads; the East/West expansion areas; concern about the impact of the national planning policy framework. The Labour Party stood in 2014 on a ticket of renewal; in 2014 they established the Futures Commission, to create a vision for MK; Pete also discussed the idea of bidding for City of Culture 2023. He believes strongly in the importance of letting people have their say: ‘I’m really clear that I listen to everybody’ but the decisions are made by the Council.

Pete describes several issues raised during the Futures Commission: regeneration of the early estates; public transport; electric and driverless cars. He points out inequalities, like residents in deprived areas having inadequate public transport, and describes his vision for the growing city. In his opinion, the work of the Commission fed into government policy about the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Arc. He believes it is now recognised that grid roads and green space are intrinsic to the city, and that there must be growth. He comments that the Council lacks the power and finance of MKDC to achieve its vision. In Pete’s opinion there should be a local body that acquires central government planning powers for development. Finally, he gives his views on regeneration of early housing, stressing the importance of ‘bringing with you the communities involved’; he believes the Council is gaining the trust of the Lakes Estate community.