A majority in all parties do, I think, want to see local government recover its old vigour and independence.

In this quote, Ferdinand Mount suggests that a majority of people across all political parties desire to see local government regain its former vigour and independence. He implies that there is widespread support for empowering local authorities to operate with more autonomy and energy, allowing them to function effectively without excessive interference from higher levels of government. Mount emphasizes the importance of restoring local government to its previous strength and ability to respond directly to the needs of its community.

The origin of the quote lies in Mount’s observations of the state of local government during his time as a British political figure and writer. In many countries, including the United Kingdom, there has been growing concern about the centralization of power, where national or regional governments have increasingly taken control of functions that were once handled by local authorities. Mount’s statement reflects the view that local government should be revitalized, allowing it to play a more prominent and independent role in serving the public.

Mount’s reference to the "old vigour and independence" of local government suggests a time when such bodies were more empowered and had greater influence over the decisions affecting their communities. This idea aligns with the notion that local governance should be closely tied to the needs of its people, with decision-making power remaining within the local level to ensure greater accountability and responsiveness. He advocates for a more decentralized approach to governance that allows localities to retain their own identity and autonomy.

Ultimately, the quote highlights a desire for a more balanced distribution of power between central government and local authorities, where local governments are given the tools and independence needed to effectively serve their communities. It reflects the broader political discussion around the need to revitalize local democracy and strengthen the ability of communities to govern themselves.