By Alexandra Rogers, political reporter

The Conservatives have pledged to give £20m to 30 towns across the country – a move the Labour Party has branded a “reckless, unfunded commitment”.

Rishi Sunak’s party said it would add the towns – many of which are based in the Midlands and the North – to its existing long-term plan for towns, increasing the number that will receive financial support to more than 100. 

The Tories said local people in each area would decide how the money would be spent, through new town boards composed of community leaders, businesspeople, local government and the local MP. 

The prime minister said the “bold action” would “transform” 30 towns, as he claimed Labour’s record in government
“shows they don’t care about towns – neglecting their needs, allowing them to decline and focusing instead on
cities.”

“Sir Keir Starmer has no plan to unlock opportunities in towns and would take us back to square one,” he said.

Some of the towns proposed to be added to the scheme include Tamworth, Preston, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Corby, Halifax, Bognor Regis, Newtown, Flint, Perth and Newry.

Labour critical of funding as leaders embark on tour

Labour argued the funding ringfenced to pay for the investment was the same as that being used to fund recent announcements to create a new tax-free allowance for pensioners and the National Service plan that would compel young adults to take part in either community or military training.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner will promote the party’s own “power-up agenda” with a 5,000-mile battle bus tour on Saturday, where she will be joined by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves. 

Labour has said its Take Back Control Act will devolve power from Westminster and give communities a new right to request more powers.

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