Tories call for rethink of Parliament revamp

"The Conservatives are calling for a proposed renovation of the Houses of Parliament to be paused and "refocused" over concerns about costs potentially running into the tens of billions. MPs have been presented with proposals to refurbish the ailing Palace of Westminster, including a plan that could cost almost 40bn and take 61 years to complete. The project team has warned delaying the restoration of the historic building, which costs 1.5m a week to maintain, would lead to "an expensive managed decline of the Palace"."

"The Conservatives said cost estimates had "risen dramatically over time, with completion potentially stretching across multiple decades". Warning of a "mission creep", the Conservatives said what began as "a safety-led programme risks expanding into a wholesale transformation of the parliamentary estate, including extensive additional works beyond core structural remediation". The party has launched a public petition calling for a "fundamental rethink" of the current plans."

"But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Parliament's restoration was "out of control" and had "turned into a basket case white elephant project". Badenoch said her party would oppose the current proposals if they are voted on by MPs and peers. Badenoch's party said the scale, scope and governance of the plans raised "serious concerns about value for money". The Conservatives said cost estimates had "risen dramatically over time, with completion potentially stretching across multiple decades"."

Conservatives call for a pause and refocus of the proposed Houses of Parliament renovation amid concerns that costs could reach tens of billions. MPs have been shown plans including an option that could cost almost £40bn and take 61 years to complete. The project team warns that delaying restoration of the historic Palace of Westminster, which costs £1.5m a week to maintain, would lead to an expensive managed decline. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the project is out of control and a white elephant, and pledged opposition. Conservatives cite rising cost estimates, weak governance, mission creep, and have launched a petition demanding a fundamental rethink and stronger external oversight focused on essential safety and structural works.

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