Plans to introduce new regional mayors across parts of England have been hit by further delays, with elections in four more regions now postponed until May 2028. Voters in Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton had been due to choose their first mayors next year, but the government has decided the timetable must be pushed back. Ministers are expected to claim that additional time is required to complete complex local government restructuring.
The move has prompted fierce criticism from opposition parties and local candidates, who argue the government is backtracking on its own commitments. Sir James Cleverly, Labour’s shadow local government secretary, accused ministers of undermining democracy, while other parties described the postponements as politically motivated. Critics pointed to the government’s earlier promise to create new combined authority areas “at pace”, giving councils broader powers to drive economic growth outside London.
These latest delays follow similar decisions in Cumbria and Cheshire & Warrington, where elections were postponed to align with local council polls and reduce administrative costs. However, detractors say the cumulative effect is a major setback for the government’s devolution agenda. Local government organisations had already raised concerns about the reorganisation plans, warning they could create “mega-councils” that weaken community voice.
Candidates from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Reform UK all condemned the decision, insisting residents should not have to wait years for the leadership they were promised. Several pledged to continue pressing for the elections to take place next May, arguing that delaying democratic participation only erodes trust in government.
