Suffolk County Council's devolution vote divides leaders

Suffolk's leaders were divided in voting to join the Government's fast-track devolution programme.

Although most agreed with and supported devolution across the county, which could see Suffolk's districts and boroughs replaced with unitary authorities, many were afraid of what it would mean for the upcoming May local elections.

Suffolk County Council said it needed to ask the Government to delay the elections in order to focus on delivering devolution at pace — ultimately only Government can approve the delay.

Others, argued elections could still be carried out alongside devolution plans and called a decision to delay them 'anti-democratic'.

After a fiery two-and-a-half hours of debate, councillors voted to join the programme with 43 votes for and 15 against.

The decision was later unanimously carried through formally by the council's cabinet members, who held the executive power.

This means the council will today apply for the programme with the Government, with more details expected over the coming weeks and months.