A Green Party county councillor has described the devolution deal to be signed in a Suffolk town as "a recipe for deadlock".

Cllr Andy Mellen spoke as levelling up secretary Michael Gove plans to meet leader of Suffolk County Council to sign a devolution deal for the county in Bury St Edmunds today.

The deal would see a new directly elected leader for the council and devolved powers over investment, housing, transport and education in the area.

It is subject to a consultation and council resolution after today's signing.

Cllr Mellen said: "While we welcome the proposed extra funding and powers being devolved down to Suffolk, as this deal is the first of its kind there are still a lot of details which need to be clarified.

"In particular, how the position of the directly elected leader will mesh with the cabinet and other elected members needs to be decided. How would it work if the directly elected leader was of a different political persuasion to the majority of councillors?

"Until we see more details it looks like a recipe for deadlock. It is also important to point out that Mid Suffolk already has substantial reserves of around £20 million and has consistently underspent its budget.

"It is claimed that this deal will unleash new possibilities, but in Mid Suffolk at least there is not currently a shortage of funds, more a shortage of ambition and delivery."

The directly elected leader would serve as a local champion to attract investment and discuss with central government, as well as making and influencing decisions on a local level.

Suffolk County Council would gain greater powers under the deal, including devolved control over a £480 million investment fund for the next thirty years.

The council would also be given devolved power over its adult education budget and more capital funding to improve the energy efficiency of houses.

Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said devolution in Suffolk will "put power into the hands of the people" and Cllr Hicks described the plans as "the first step towards an exciting future for our great county".

With a similar deal to be signed with Norfolk County Council and one signed by Cornwall Council last week, half of England will soon have devolution deals in place.

An election for a directly elected council leader is expected in May 2024, subject to the outcome of a consultation and council resolution.