THE government has today confirmed that planned county council elections in Essex in May have been postponed - for at least a year.

In a speech in the House of Commons Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner detailed plans for Essex to have a county-wide mayor and for new, larger authorities to be set up. 

The Minister's speech can be heard here:-

Greater Essex is among a handful of areas on the government's new fast-track Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) which would also see the election of a county in May 2026.

The mayor would take control over strategic policy areas like transport infrastructure, economic development, health improvement and blue light services – along with devolved government funding to deliver positive change.

That is likely to see the end of Basildon Council in its current form in May 2026 with elections for both the mayor and a new authority promised by Ms Rayner.

Conservative front-bencher and spokesperson for local communities Kevin Hollinrake asked what provision the government planned to make for councils like Thurrock and Woking, which will be merged into other councils carrying huge debt.

Ms Rayner declined to give an answer amid her presponse.

Later, similar questions were asked. Rebecca Paul, MP for Reigate asked about crippling debt faced in Surrey, and Ms Raynor again skirted the issue, saying: "We will continue to work with local areas. We understand difficulties and will work and discuss this with councils;, while in answer to Zoe Franklin, Lib-Dem MP for Guildford, she said: "We understand and are aware of the impact of debt. I am happy for my ministers to meet with councils to discuss this." 

Reacting to the statement Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, said: "Today is significant for Essex. The age of complacency and decline in Essex is ending. Reorganisation is the reset button the county desperately needs.

"It has been clear for many years that the system of local governance in Essex isn't working effectively. The county has been moving backwards in respect of outcomes, at an alarming rate in areas such as educational attainment, skills, economic growth, infrastructure and housebuilding. Whilst we see some council areas embarking on successful regeneration projects, the county as a whole is in decline. The Government recognises that, and it wants to see significant change. 

"This is a transformative opportunity for Basildon and the wider Essex region, thanks to the new Government. The creation of a directly elected mayor, will ensure a stronger, unified voice for Essex on the national stage. By simplifying local government structures, we can provide better services, foster faster economic growth, and tackle key challenges more effectively.

"For many months, sceptics have been saying that local government reorganisation wasn't possible in Essex, that there was no consensus for change. Events in recent days have proved them utterly wrong. Now, today, the government has recognised our combined determination to make this work by putting Essex at the forefront of this change.

"Basildon is a vibrant and dynamic community, and we are committed to ensuring that the needs of our residents and businesses are key to this process. We look forward to working closely with our neighbouring authorities and the Government to make this vision a reality, delivering long-term benefits for everyone in Essex.

"Basildon Council will actively engage in the upcoming consultations and planning processes to ensure that the new arrangements reflect the aspirations and priorities of the community."

This afternoon Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "This is really exciting news for our county, and I'm looking forward to working with our neighbours in Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council to flesh out our plans for devolution.  

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Thurrock to become part of something bigger, and to help shape a future that is right for local people. They deserve better than the failures of the past, and I can't wait to start work on a plan that makes sense, has our communities at its heart and will help shape excellent services for years to come." 

Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr Kevin Bentley, said: "I am thrilled that our hard work to bring devolution to Essex has paid off and we are a step closer seeing real positive change in our county. 

 "We welcome the government's acceptance of our request and eagerly await next steps. 

"I truly believe devolution is the best choice for our county's future. It is the biggest chance we will get to rethink our system and bring more power into the hands of local people. This will mean more opportunities for our residents and businesses that will help them and our whole county flourish. 

 "With regard to Local Government Reorganisation, we will commit to work together with all councils in Essex to ensure that it delivers the best outcome for our residents and businesses too." 

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, says: "This is another important milestone as we move towards delivering major change across Southend-on-Sea and the wider county. 

"Devolution will be momentous, bringing more powers and funding into the area, and allowing us to deliver major projects, better services, and improve the lives of local people and business. I look forward to continuing to work hard to deliver on this." 

Thurock MP Jen Craft says: "I welcome the fact that Thurrock has been included in the Government's devolution priority programme.

 "Devolution and reorganisation of our council represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to capitalise on growing opportunities in Essex, with more power for regional leaders to improve local services and deliver better value for the taxpayer.

 "Local elections were only set to be held this year due to the reckless bankrupting of council finances by the former Conservative administration, which in itself is symptomatic of a system of local government that was no longer fit for purpose.

 "Securing devolution for our area is the right step for Thurrock. It will allow us to move on from the problems of the past, creating a new system that delivers for the needs of local communities."