Council leader claims local authority ‘bullied’ to delay polls for extra funding and powers

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jessica Murray and Peter WalkerFebruary 17, 2026 at 08:40 PM

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The leader of Norfolk County Council, Kay Mason Billig, has withdrawn from a planned devolution deal, accusing the government of "bullying" the council into delaying local elections in exchange for extra funding and powers. This decision follows the government's reversal on postponing elections at 30 councils undergoing reorganisation due to a legal challenge. Billig stated the council cannot simultaneously participate in local government reorganisation and hold elections. She claims the government's actions have broken the agreement and expressed concerns that other councils may follow suit. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government denies Billig's claims, stating Norfolk's place in the devolution priority program was not contingent on election timing and that they remain committed to working with local partners on devolution.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

England 40% Conservative Party (UK) ×240% South Norfolk Council 50% Reform UK 50% Suffolk 50% Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 60% Daniel Elmer 60% Steve Reed ×270% Norfolk County Council 70% Norfolk ×380% Kay Mason Billig ×390%

Keywords

local elections 90% devolution deal 80% funding and powers 70% local government reorganisation 70% norfolk 70% council leader 60% devolution priority programme 60% mayoral county combined authority 60% government u-turn 50% bullying 50%