Latest updates relating to Devolution in Greater Essex
Thursday 4 December 2025
On Thursday 4 December 2025, the Government announced that the Greater Essex Mayoral election, originally planned for May 2026, will now take place in May 2028.
The delay is intended to allow more time for councils to establish new Mayoral Strategic Authorities and work together before the first mayoral elections.
This announcement does not impact local elections, and further clarification is expected in due course.
Councils across Greater Essex remain committed to delivering devolution, which offers significant opportunities to drive growth, attract investment, and create prosperity for our communities.
Thursday 17 July 2025
The Government has confirmed that Greater Essex has ‘passed the legal tests’ and that devolution and work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority can proceed. Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council will continue work to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA). You can read the full press release here.
The MCCA is set to be legally established in early 2026, with a Mayoral election scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 May.
The English Devolution White Paper sets out a wide range of proposals and plans which include proposals on devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The Government has confirmed Greater Essex (the combined area represented by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, and Thurrock Council) will be part of its Devolution Priority Programme.
This includes a commitment to explore Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) alongside devolution.
The government has also confirmed that the elections scheduled for May 2025 for Essex County Council will be suspended.
More details will be published on our website in the future.
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
You can read the key takeaways from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill here. It is due to get its second reading in the House of Commons in September.
What is Devolution?
In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to local people, communities and businesses.
Devolution Priority Programme
The government are now consulting on the Devolution Priority Programme and devolution for Greater Essex until 11:59pm on 13 April.
You can find out more and comment on this online.
Read the latest FAQ from Essex County Council:
Read the latest news from Essex County Council:
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17 October 2025 - Devolution plans are approved in landmark vote
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17 February 2025 - Greater Essex devolution consultation now live - closed
- 5 February 2025 – Essex councils accepted onto Devolution Priority Programme