Local Government: Essex
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of Greater Essex’s progress on devolution, in the context of the decision to cancel the mayoral election.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh
There has not been a decision to cancel the mayoral election in Greater Essex. Following the ministerial reshuffle, the Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. As a result, the Government is now minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Devolution is strongest when it is built on strong foundations, and this extra time will allow these four areas to establish strong institutions ahead of their Mayors taking office in 2028. The Government will continue to support Greater Essex to build on the great strides they have already made towards the establishment of their Mayoral Strategic Authority.
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