We didn't vote to cancel elections, but it is a necessity that the government now do so...
We voted to request to join the Devolution Priority Programme today. Elections, as important as they are, will introduce delays incompatible with the government's objectives for those who are accepted
Today’s decision to express interest in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme marks a pivotal moment for Suffolk. However, it has not been without its challenges or its detractors. Among the most vocal were the Green, Liberal Democrat, and Independent Group, who claimed that Suffolk could pursue devolution without postponing elections. This was simply untrue and if done knowingly, deeply disingenuous.
To suggest that we could have both held elections this year and met the demands of the DPP is, frankly, a misunderstanding of the programme’s requirements. Participation in the DPP necessitates a commitment to reorganisation and alignment with an ambitious timeline. Elections, as important as they are, would have introduced delays incompatible with the programme’s objectives.
It is worth remembering that the DPP is not a halfway house. As our fearless Leader Matthew Hicks put it rather succinctly, “Participation in the priority plan is a package deal, not an à la carte menu.” The decision to delay elections is not about avoiding democratic accountability; it is about ensuring Suffolk has the best possible chance to lead and shape its future governance.
In my view, the opportunity before us is extraordinary. The current two-tier council system, one that in Suffolk predates the existence of my mother, and while effective in its time, is no longer suited to the complexities of modern governance. Moving to a unitary model promises not only efficiency and cost savings but also the opportunity to deliver better service to residents.
This is not change for changes sake. It is about creating a structure that works for today’s Suffolk and for generations to come. The White Paper makes clear that such a transformation can unlock significant local powers—from strategic planning to transport and health improvement—that will be critical to our county’s success. It even includes the potential for Mayors to take control over rail services, and who wouldn’t want to be both the Mayor and the Fat Controller all in one?
Addressing Concerns
I understand the unease that comes with such a significant decision. Councillors in our own group have expressed valid concerns about the uncertainties involved in the process, including questions about whether postponing elections was truly necessary.
But the facts remain: entering the DPP without the required preparatory steps would be akin to building a house without a foundation. As I noted whilst streaming the Cabinet meeting from home, Suffolk’s decision to acknowledge that by joining the DPP, elections may have to be delayed, aligns directly with the programme’s requirements and ensures we can move forward with confidence.
Change is never easy, but it is often necessary. Today’s decision is about positioning Suffolk as a leader, not a follower, in the devolution process. While debate and dissent are natural parts of democracy, we must focus on the opportunities ahead. This is our chance to build a Suffolk that is not only fit for today but prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
I’d like to thank my colleagues and the cabinet for getting us to this point, and now we wait to find out what comes next.
