Residents are being asked to put their name to a parliamentary petition about saving the Rutland name. 

Following feedback from two public meetings about local government reorganisation, Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns (Con) is leading the charge to make sure the county of Rutland remains. 

Although no decision has yet been made, the Government wants to replace small councils with authorities covering a larger area. It is likely Rutland's council, the smallest unitary authority in England, will have to merge with neighbours and in doing so may lose its name and county status. 

Between 1974 and 1997, Rutland was merged with Leicestershire and lost its lord lieutenancy, a role representing the monarch in a county. The earliest record of a Lord Lieutenant of Rutland dates back to Henry Manners in the 1550s, with the role currently in the hands of Dr Sarah Furness. 

Mrs Kearns said: "My public meetings on the future of Rutland made it clear that we will not accept having our identity stripped from us – our ceremonial status must be protected at all costs.  

"Please do spread the word and encourage your friends, family and neighbours to add their names to my petition by visiting and supporting our wonderful Rutland pubs to sign the petitions.  

"We have six weeks to make clear to Government we are Rutlanders and intend to stay as such and put a stop to the Government stripping us of our identity."  



Local people turned out to ask the MP questions about the future of Rutland at two meetings at Victoria Hall (Photo: Grace Kennington)

The petition requests that the 'House of Commons urges the Government to take into account the concerns of the petitioners and protect Rutland's status as a ceremonial county regardless of the outcome of local government re-organisation and devolution'. 

The #SaveRutland Petition will be available for Rutland residents to sign in local pubs or in Mrs Kearns' constituency office at Market Street, Oakham. She would like pubs who will host the petition to get in touch. 

Ralph Offer, landlord at the George and Dragon in Seaton, said: "As a business owner, I see Rutland as an essential part of the pub's unique character, attracting visitors from near and far while fostering a strong, loyal local community.  

"Rutland is a hidden gem of tourism, rich with attractions and experiences.  

"We take pride in serving Rutland produce and ales, building strong connections and collaborations with local businesses.  

"Less than 30 years after gaining our independence, we must not risk losing it again. Rutland has fought hard for its autonomy, and our proud, resilient community will not allow its identity to be taken away.  

"Our loyal customers and local residents are committed to preserving what makes Rutland so special."  

The petition will be presented in Parliament at the end of next month to tie-in with the first Government deadline for councils to send in their proposals. 

A meeting will be held at 7pm tonight (Tuesday, February 11) at Rutland County Council. The full council will discuss local government reorganisation for the first time. 

A decision about which councils Rutland joins forces with will be made by the leader Gale Waller.