What would a mayor mean for Norfolk and Suffolk?

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

Big changes in how Norfolk and Suffolk are run are on the cards.

The government wants to carry out a major shake-up of local authorities – existing councils will be scrapped and replaced by new ones - and the counties will share a mayor.

They will be given extra powers over areas including transport and housing, with elections for the mayoral role due to take place in May next year.

The successful politician will then oversee councils running two counties that have traditionally been known to have a friendly rivalry.

Why is this happening?

Last December ministers revealed devolution plans which would see a huge reorganisation of local government, with the pledge of moving more power away from London and also cutting waste.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner told the BBC that giving regional mayors more control over housing, transport, education and employment would help drive economic growth.

The plan will also see numerous existing councils merged.

In Norfolk that means eight existing councils will be scrapped, although there is debate as to how they should be reformed

The existing county council favours one authority covering the entire county while six of the district councils favour three. South Norfolk Council has said two would be best.

In Suffolk, six current councils will go.

The county council has said it should be replaced by one authority, but the five districts are backing the idea of three.

What would the mayor do?

Angela Rayner said she wants every region to have a mayor

The mayor would be in charge of what is called a combined county authority – which would be made up of Norfolk and Suffolk's councils.

The government has said they would have "greater local control" over transport, adult education and skills, and housing – and it would expect them to deliver improvements including economic development.

They may also take on the responsibilities of the police and crime commissioners.

Their powers will ultimately be determined by the Devolution Bill - launched on Thursday - if that passes through parliament and becomes law.

The mayor would also represent Norfolk and Suffolk on the Council of Nations and Regions – which includes the Prime Minister, leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – as well other regional mayors.

What other parts of the country have mayors like this?

There are already 14 regional mayors in England covering the likes of Greater Manchester, Greater Lincolnshire and Cambridge and Peterborough.

Their powers and responsibilities vary, with the Mayor of London role being quite different as it was setup under a different model of devolution.

Who could the next mayor be?

With the election not due to take place until next year, the major parties have yet to select their candidates.

But as a high-profile, new role, competition to be nominated would likely be fierce.

We could also see independent candidates put themselves forward.

Don't we already have mayors?

Traditional council mayors have ceremonial roles, along with chains and hats

Yes, we do – but they are different from the one we have been talking about here.

Norwich selects a new Lord Mayor every year from its existing councillors, while West Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough councillors do the same for their mayors.

In each case, it is a ceremonial role that sees them chairing full council meetings, attending civic events and fundraising.

Town councils like Bury St Edmunds, Cromer, Thetford and Felixstowe also have mayors who are, again, existing councillors serving as figureheads and chairing meetings.

How would they be chosen?

An election is scheduled for 7 May 2026, with everyone registered to vote in Norfolk and Suffolk able to take part.

The mayor would then serve for a fixed term of four years, before another election takes place.

Will these changes definitely happen?

Devolution deals have been on the table for both Norfolk and Suffolk in the past, but ultimately came to nothing.

This time around, the majority of players involved want to move forward with a deal, even though they may not currently agree on what the final deal should be.

However, sorting out such a major reorganisation is not simple, and there is still a lot of work to be done in a relatively short period of time.