Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, has accused the government of bullying her authority into postponing local elections in exchange for extra funding and powers. She announced the council's withdrawal from long-awaited devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) plans, citing the government's U-turn on election postponements.
The government initially planned to delay elections at 30 councils undergoing reorganisation but reversed the decision after a legal challenge from Reform UK. Billig described the situation as a 'mess' and stated that the council could not proceed with devolution and LGR while simultaneously holding elections. She called Housing and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed a 'two-faced bully' and said the contract was broken.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson denied the claims, stating that Norfolk's place on the devolution priority programme was never contingent on election timing. The spokesperson reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with local partners on mayoral devolution in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Concerns have been raised that other council leaders may follow suit. Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, expressed scepticism about LGR, noting that promised additional money and powers had not materialised. Some Labour MPs also questioned the timing and cost of council reorganisation, with one backbencher calling it a 'second-term project at best'.
Nigel Farage and the Conservatives have called for Reed to resign over the election fiasco, while Care Minister Stephen Kinnock defended him, stating he was 'doing an excellent job' and that the government wanted to work within the rule of law.
