Cross-party backing for directly-elected mayor

Essex councillors have long been divided over having a directly-elected mayor, but the ideas now has cross-party county council support

Plans for a directly-elected mayor for one of England's most populous counties have won cross-party backing.

Essex county councillors approved the proposal to create a Mayoral Combined County Authority at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Conservative council leader Kevin Bentley said the vote was "an historic moment for Greater Essex".

The decision will unlock a multimillion-pound 30-year mayoral investment fund. If approved by Parliament, the first mayoral election will take place in May.

Kevin Bentley said he felt very excited about the prospect of what can be achieved in Essex with an elected mayor

A directly-elected mayor would oversee a population of nearly two million people and an economy worth £50bn – bigger than Northern Ireland.

The creation of a combined authority would give local leaders powers to shape the county's future across areas including the economy, transport, housing, skills and infrastructure.

Bentley told the meeting: "This isn't just any vote... you are about to create something brand new for this county that will last for decades, if not longer than that."

David King, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "It can make a huge difference, done well."

Labour group leader Ivan Henderson said it was an "exciting time" for Greater Essex.

Wendy Stamp, member of the Non-Aligned Group, said: "I know people have concerns, but I think if they are informed and give it a chance it is going to be better for everybody in the long term."

A survey of nearly 4,000 people by the government earlier this year found 71% were against an Essex mayor.

The new authority would cover areas currently governed by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.

It is part of a bigger shake-up of local government, which includes plans to scrap the county's current 15 councils, and replace them with three, four or five unitary authorities.