Norfolk pulls out of devolution deal
The dramatic announcement follows years of debate, budgeting and preparation ahead of local government reorganisation.
Norfolk County Council has withdrawn from the government’s devolution process as tensions mount over an election U-turn.
Council leader Kay Mason Billig announced that the council is stepping back from Labour’s proposed local government reorganisation and the creation of a mayor for the region.
In a speech at County Hall, she described Steve Reed, the secretary of state for local government, as a “two-faced bully” in response to his reversal of the decision to cancel May’s council elections.
She stated, “Devolution and local government reform are off,” citing insufficient time to complete legal processes before elections.
The decision follows Mr Reed reinstating the elections after a legal challenge by Reform threatened to prove their cancellation was unlawful.
Ms Mason Billig criticised the government for the consequences of its decision, saying, “Ten years of work potentially down the pan as a result of this incompetent government.”
The situation has prompted calls for Mr Reed’s resignation from various quarters.
She voiced her discontent towards Mr Reed, stating, “I can now say what I like about the secretary of state. I’ve never met him or spoken to him but I know him to be a two-faced bully who doesn’t care about Norfolk.”
Referencing Rik Mayall from The New Statesmen, she added, “What an utter, utter B-A-S-T-A-R-D.”
Criticism has been directed towards Mason Billig for her attitude toward cancelling elections, which ministers suggested would facilitate local government reform.
Despite warning that elections could jeopardize proposals to devolve powers and abolish Norfolk’s existing councils, she did not explicitly call for postponement.
At Wednesday’s meeting, she attributed blame to Mr Reed, alleging he threatened funding and powers unless postponement was agreed.
“Steve Reed made threats – not to my face, but through various back channels,” she said.
She claimed that compliance was required to secure Norfolk’s place on the Devolution Priority Programme, anticipated to establish a new combined authority and elected mayor by 2026.
The announcement casts uncertainty on plans to integrate Norfolk’s councils into larger unitary models, initially slated for government confirmation this year, and implementation by 2028.
Norfolk County Council had projected savings of ÂŁ40 million annually by promoting a single-council model, contrary to other authorities' preference for multiple unitaries.
Ms Mason Billig ended her speech by declaring, “Under this government we were told that as a consequence we had to cooperate. Well, devo hasn’t happened.”
She announced that the Conservative group would no longer support the government’s reform efforts.
“We will fight this election, and the Conservatives will stand on our excellent record on administration,” Ms Mason Billig said.
The decision marks a significant shift in Norfolk’s political landscape following extensive discussions and preparations for local government reform.