Jenrick blasts Govt for A46 ‘clownshow’

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

The UK Government has reopened the search for a partner to design and build the A46 Newark Bypass after previously suspending the £297 million contract as part of cost-saving measures. This move signals a potential reversal on the project despite ongoing consultations and local criticism over increased costs and uncertainty about the bypass’s future.

The UK Government is seeking a new partner to design and build the A46 Newark Bypass, less than six months after plans to cancel the project were announced. In late June, the Government suspended the £297 million contract with Skanska for the bypass as part of a broader £700 million cost-saving measure aimed at increasing defence spending.

The A46 bypass, alongside improvements to the A38 in Derbyshire, were among the only two projects marked as "not immediately vital" by the administration led by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. However, National Highways recently published a new contract opportunity, indicating a renewed intent to move forward with the road scheme. The notice specifies that National Highways is looking to procure a design and build partner and notes an estimated contract value of £700 million, or £840 million including VAT. The projected contract timeline extends from December 2028 to December 2038.

National Highways acknowledged that the Government is still consulting on proposed changes affecting the project, emphasizing that no final decisions have been made. The Department for Transport confirmed an ongoing consultation process with stakeholders regarding the potential cancellation but declined to commit to a final course of action, noting that it is carefully reviewing feedback before determining next steps. Requests for further comment from National Highways were declined.

Local officials expressed continued engagement with the Government on the issue. Councillor Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the council has made contributions to the project and is awaiting a formal response expected during the forthcoming autumn statement. He added that work continues in cooperation with Mayor Claire Ward.

The uncertain status of the bypass has drawn sharp criticism from Robert Jenrick, the Conservative MP for Newark. He condemned the handling of the project as “spectacular incompetence,” highlighting the cancellation of the contract and the subsequent reconsideration of the bypass at approximately double the original cost. Jenrick described the situation as a "clown show," expressing skepticism about the Government’s reliability and the impact on local residents and businesses.

The A46 Newark Bypass has been a focal point of controversy, reflecting broader tensions over infrastructure funding priorities amid fiscal constraints and shifting political oversight.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.