Restore councillor ‘failed to treat public with respect’
Dear readers – last week a report released by Leicestershire County Council has found that councillor Whitford made residents feel ‘belittled and/or intimidated’. Whitford recieved four complaints from residents about his comments surrounding the raising of flags in his ward. The councillor, who defected to Restore UK in Feburary, could be asked to retrain or issue a public apology.
Meanwhile in the city, new data has revealed that Leicester ranks below the new national average for a healthy life expectancy. Sitting at just under 58, healthy life expectancy in the city is three years shorter than the new national average of 61 years. The full story is below.
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Your weekly briefing
Councillor ‘bullied’ resident and ‘failed to treat public with respect’ flag row
A Leicestershire councillor ‘bullied’ a local resident and ‘failed to treat members of the public with respect’ in a row over St George’s flags, according to a report.
Leicester neighbours a mile apart face a three-year health gap
Leicester ranks below the new national average of nearly 61 at a healthy life expectancy of just under 58.
Council says it could save £60m in four years – but will have to spend £28m to implement it
Opposition members have called the plans a ‘risky experiment’ that will cost the taxpayer.
Businesses’ relief as third NCP car park reopens
Abbey Street car park is the latest facility to secure a new operator after NCP went into administration earlier this year.
Thousands of residents rally over GP wait times
A long standing campaign to boost primary healthcare in a Leicestershire town has taken a step forward as residents say getting a GP appointment is like a “lottery”.
Concerns raised over De Montfort University city centre deal
The sale of the Innovation Centre, in Leicester’s Oxford Street has been criticised over not being a good deal for taxpayers.
Photo of the week
Rutland Centre Car Park has been shuttered since NCP went into administration in March 2026. Image Credit: Devon Winters
Want to be featured in our photo of the week section? Share your photos with us at joseph@leicester.news, and we'll include the best in our next newsletter!
Things to look forward to
Leicester Gazette's 2026 AGM and birthday party
Join members for our AGM and birthday party with buffet-style food, live music, speakers, and a free-flowing discussion about our journalism. The evening is a chance to meet the team and other Gazette members, and maybe even have some fun!
Book your place
Dennis Rollins Quintet
Co-led by two of the finest Jazz instrumentalists in the country, catch this jazz quintet at the Y theatre on Thursday 14 May, 8pm. Tickets from £6.
Conscientious Objectors' Day
Join Leicester CND and others at Victoria Park for a gathering to mark Conscientious Objectors Day at the CO Marker Stone. Friday 15 May, 6pm.
Something a little different
Photography print exhibition of unusual 180 degree “fisheye” Leicester scenes in city centre. Leicester Coffee House, 11 May to 3 July.
A window to the past
Bardon Hill Quarry rail link in Leicestershire. This photo was taken in 1987. Image credit: University of Leicester
Join us at our AGM and birthday party
We are incredibly happy to extend an invitation to our annual general meeting (AGM), and third birthday party! Our AGM is a chance to meet other readers, and the team behind the Gazette. There'll be buffet-style food, live music, speakers, and a free-flowing discussion about our journalism.
The event is open to anyone, regardless of membership status – so at the very least, come for the free food!
Book your place
Discussion in the ATmosphere