Message sent on behalf of Cllr Matthew Hicks and Nicola Beach

Today [Thursday ] the government has announced an important update on devolution. 

You may have heard the media reports late last night and this morning that the government is minded to delay the inaugural mayoral elections for Norfolk and Suffolk, which were due to take place in May 2026, until 2028.

The first thing to say is that this decision is not related to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). We have been clear throughout the process that LGR and devolution are two separate processes, albeit closely linked.  Please note, there have not been any announcements relating to the county council elections next year. 

As for devolution, we are still assessing the implications of this decision, but please be assured that we are actively reviewing the situation.   

Suffolk and Norfolk are not the only counties impacted by this Government proposal, with Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, and Greater Essex receiving the same news.

I understand that you may have questions following this announcement, and we will share updates with you as valued partners as soon as we can.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Matthew Hicks                  Nicola Beach

Leader                                   Chief Executive