"The government is set to postpone elections for newly created mayors in some parts of Southern England. Local government sources say two out of four areas expected to vote in May 2026 - Essex and the combined counties of Norfolk and Suffolk - will now do so at a later date. Opposition parties are calling for the elections to go ahead as planned, with shadow local government secretary James Cleverly accusing Labour of "subverting democracy"."
"These new positions were announced under an extension of the government's devolution priority programme (DPP) in February, which promised "sweeping" powers for local authorities to fast track growth and said the new positions would be created "at pace". There are reports that elections for the new Sussex and Hampshire mayors will also be postponed. The Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government said in response to these reports that it did not comment on leaks."
Elections for newly created mayoralties in parts of Southern England will be postponed, with Essex and the combined counties of Norfolk and Suffolk delayed from the expected May 2026 date. Reports indicate Sussex and Hampshire votes may also be deferred. The positions were part of the government's devolution priority programme promising sweeping powers and rapid creation of mayoralties to accelerate regional growth. Opposition parties warn the postponements could undermine democracy and accuse the government of preventing political gains. The reasons for the delays remain unclear. Concerns were previously raised that larger combined councils could disrupt local decision-making.
Read at www.bbc.com
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