Priti Patel, Conservative MP for Witham, has strongly criticised the Labour government for cancelling funding for a much-needed new primary school in her constituency.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on 21st May 2026, Priti Patel highlighted the decision to axe the Lodge Farm Primary School project.

Priti Patel Said:

“Labour has cancelled funding for the new Lodge Farm Primary School in Witham.
"This school would have delivered 420 new primary places and vital SEND provision for local children and families.
"Labour are forcing more housing on Essex while cutting the infrastructure our communities need.
'I will keep fighting to get this school built.”

Priti Patel attached images showing the proposed school site and related documents.

Why This Matters

The proposed school was designed to address growing demand for primary school places in Witham caused by new housing developments. It included specialist provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), which is in short supply locally.

Critics argue this decision shows Labour prioritising housing targets over the essential infrastructure needed to support new residents — a common complaint in growing areas of Essex.

Background

  • Witham has seen significant housing growth in recent years.
  • The new school was expected to ease pressure on existing local primaries.
  • This latest cut comes amid wider concerns about school funding, with reports of other projects being delayed or cancelled across the country.

Priti Patel has vowed to continue campaigning to get the funding reinstated and the school built.

Ms Patel's letter to Bridget Phillipson MP:

Lodge Farm Primary and Nursery School

I have received the letter from your junior minister regarding your final decision to cancel funding for Lodge Farm Primary and Nursery School.

This is an outrageous decision, which will cause harm to education and school provision in Witham and Essex. The location for this school was made available as part of a new housing development and with further housing growth already in the local authority's local plan and new housing targets being imposed on this part of Essex by the Labour Government, we face a significant shortage in local school places now.

Moreover, the cancellation of funding for this school will impact adversely on the provision of places for children with special educational needs and disabilities and goes against your White Paper.

I am also disappointed that you have refused to engage and meet directly with me on this issue. It is insulting to my constituents that Labour have no interest in investing in services in this part of Essex and this follows the real terms and cash cuts that many local schools experienced in the funding settlement.

With this decision, you have demonstrated that Labour does not care about education in Essex. As a matter of urgency, you should reconsider and reflect on this decision and the harm it will cause to education, children and families.