Norfolk Chambers has responded to today’s announcement that mayoral elections in Norfolk and Suffolk will be delayed from May 2026 to May 2028.
The government confirmed that elections for newly-created mayors will be delayed in four areas of England, with the BBC reporting that more time is needed to reorganise local government in these regions.
New mayors were expected to be elected in Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton in May next year, but will now have to wait until May 2028.
Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said, “Norfolk and Suffolk have expended a huge amount of energy across business, education, third sector, local councils and beyond to prepare for a new political landscape from May 2026. So, to have the timelines moved again is immensely frustrating. Not least because this is Norfolk’s third opportunity in recent years for a form of devolution that brings more decision-making and funding to local people.
“The business community have ridden the waves of uncertainty for too long now, be it COVID-19, the inflationary shock of the Ukraine War, the 2022 ‘mini-budget’ and last year’s first Labour budget which was a sledgehammer to businesses.
“Data from our Chambers of Commerce members in July shows that business confidence remains subdued with only 40% of businesses in the East expecting turnover to increase in the next 12 months, and 30% expect it to drop. Meanwhile 32% have had cut back on their investment plans.
“We need certainty more than ever, and whilst we appreciate the predicted complexity of local government reorganisation, it just adds more instability for an already hesitant business community. A community that nevertheless remains steadfast in its resilience and passion for Norfolk.”
This marks the third time in recent years that Norfolk has faced delays or setbacks in efforts to secure devolution arrangements that would bring greater decision-making powers and funding to the local area.
