Why it matters: Norfolk and Suffolk are preparing for their biggest political shake-up in 50 years, with a directly elected mayor set to oversee both counties from May 2026.
The big picture: Suffolk and Norfolk were among seven areas chosen for devolution, with all existing Suffolk councils set to be abolished under the new unitary system. The structure remains undecided, with Ipswich Borough Council confident of a three-council arrangement whilst Suffolk County Council pushes for a single county-wide authority.
Howard's credentials: Howard is positioning himself as an alternative to traditional politicians, stating, "I believe I have the right mix of skills in business and politics to bring added value to the role."
The Felixstowe-born businessman brings four decades of property development experience and is best known for unlocking complex and stalled development projects. He recently completed his acquisition of the former Great White Horse Hotel in Ipswich and famously bought The Mill for £1 after buying and completing the half-built tower block commonly referred to as the Winerack.
Few people are as invested in Ipswich as he is.
On his priorities: Howard's campaign is built on:
Improved road maintenance and completion of A47 dualling
Opposition to motorist charging schemes
Support for local businesses facing competition from new developments
Rejection of Net Zero policies that "bankrupt" businesses and households
No grand mayoral office, using existing council space instead
Investment in long-term infrastructure improvements
On key issues: When asked about Suffolk's historical disadvantage in competing with Norfolk for infrastructure funding, Howard said: "I think we need to look at all aspects of infrastructure which is vital for the growth of both counties, see what the priorities are in both Norfolk and Suffolk and then take it from there."
"Norfolk and Suffolk will be competing with the rest of the UK, so it is important that the Mayor gets the best deal for both counties," he added.
On the contentious issue of the Ipswich Northern Bypass, Howard is keeping an open mind: "Whoever gets the role would need to commit to finding a solution to traffic issues by talking to the government, business and councils rather than coming with a ready-made answer."
Other candidates: Howard isn't the only figure eyeing the Conservative nomination. Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner since 2012, was the first public figure to express interest in the mayoral role, although he hasn't formalised his candidacy.
Passmore, who has been elected as Conservative commissioner four times, told BBC Radio Suffolk he was "looking at" standing for mayor, though he expressed concerns about adding another "layer of bureaucracy".
Other candidates are expected to publicise their interest in the coming weeks and months.
What's next: Howard will begin his campaigning immediately as he looks to secure the Conservative nomination for the role.
Publication of the notice of election must happen by Tuesday, 25 March 2026, with nomination papers deliverable until Wednesday, 2 April.
Candidates will have until 16:00 on Wednesday, 2 April, to withdraw nominations, with the statement of persons nominated published by Thursday, 3 April. The deadline for new postal vote applications is Monday, 14 April, while new proxy vote applications close on Wednesday, 23 April.
Polling is expected to take place on Thursday, 1 May 2026.
The bottom line: The prolific local property developer, who has significant business interests across both counties, says that he will "look forward to taking part in the process if my application is put forward to the next stage" as he seeks to to bring private sector experience to the region's first combined authority mayor role.
