Mayor could 'turbocharge' growth, says councillor

The mayor's key responsibilities are likely to include transport, housing and skills

Leaders at a county council have formally agreed to a new mayor in a bid to "turbocharge" growth.

Suffolk County Council cabinet members unanimously agreed to give the government formal consent to establish a Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority (NSCAA), with an elected mayor to represent it.

The role is part of a programme to deliver devolution at pace and was originally agreed to by the council in January.

Richard Rout, Conservative councillor and lead for devolution at the authority, said both counties had been in a "devolution desert", and a new mayor presented an opportunity to "turbocharge" growth.

Norfolk County Council were due to discuss the proposals and vote on 16 October.

If backed, the election of the new mayor is due to take place in May 2026.

They would be given an initial £37.4 million per year over 30 years, starting from when they are elected.

The money would allow the mayor to exercise new devolved powers over transport, strategic planning and public safety.

As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Rout said: "This is a pivotal moment for our county, it is a decision that brings a huge amount of funding into Suffolk and Norfolk, and I think we are unanimous in our view that our two counties need a stronger voice."

Matthew Hicks, leader of the authority, said the proposal would put the council at the front of the queue.

The Conservative councillor said "it is a catalyst for real change", adding that "this will ensure decisions are made in the best interests of our communities, with a clear mandate".

'We want clear accountability'

Plans were put forward to all of Suffolk's county councillors before the vote, with most political group leaders in agreement with the decision.

Andrew Stringer, Green Party councillor and leader of the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group, said he supported the proposals.

However, he called on the council to ask the government to carry out next year's election under a different voting system to ensure both accountability and legitimacy.

As it stands, the mayor is set to be elected under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with the highest share of the vote wins.

Sandy Martin, Labour Group leader, said: "I am absolutely delighted that our government is taking devolution seriously- transport, housing and various other functions need strategic planning if they are going to be effective."

Christopher Hudson, leader of the Reform UK group at the authority, said he was looking forward to championing the new role and added: "We want to end the two-tier system, we want clear accountability."

Councillors supported the proposals with 55 votes for and one against.

The council gave consent to the government to lay a statutory instrument, which would allow the combined authority to be set up under delegated powers by the minister.

Across the border, Conservative leader Kay Mason Billig, at Norfolk County Council, said: "Councillors will discuss the issues at a special meeting, before the cabinet meeting takes its decision."

She added: "The devolution proposals and annual investment fund give us a major opportunity to improve lives in Norfolk and Suffolk, by boosting our economy, jobs, transport and housing.

Two candidates are running for the position, including Conservative Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, and Green Party councillor Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council.

Candidates for Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK, as well as any Independents, have not yet been announced.