Why it matters: The decision, expected to be announced later today and first announced by The Sun, means residents will wait an additional two years to elect their first regional mayor. It follows the cancellation of this year's local elections to facilitate the devolution process – a decision that angered many residents.
The details: The new mayoralties in Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton were all due to be contested in May 2026 but will now be held in 2028.
The government is expected to argue that the areas need more time to complete their local government reorganisation before holding mayoral elections, but critics will argue that the decision was made for political reasons.
The bigger picture: The postponement affects areas that joined the government's Devolution Priority Programme in February, which promised "sweeping" powers for local authorities and said new mayoral positions would be created "at pace."
Suffolk's existing councils are being abolished and replaced with a new unitary system, though the number of authorities is yet to be decided.
What's next: Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and local MPs have been approached for comment.
The bottom line: After delaying this year's local elections, Ipswich residents now face a longer wait to have their say on who will lead the new devolved authority. More to follow.
