Jeremy Hunt has today announced Suffolk will get an elected mayor.

The Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed the move, which has not been voted for by anyone in the county, during his Autumn Statement this morning.

He added that further details would be revealed.

Suffolk county council leader Matthew Hicks responded by welcoming the devolution deal, but made no mention of a mayor being appointed, but only the leader of the county council now being voted for by the residents and not just councillors.

He said: "We welcome the Chancellor's announcement that the Government has committed to agreeing a truly historic deal for Suffolk – the first county deal of its kind in the country. This deal will be a significant step on our county's journey towards devolution and more control over our future. 

"If agreed, this provisional deal would deliver decades of significant additional investment into local priorities that will improve the lives and outcomes of Suffolk's residents; secure greater decision-making powers around transport, infrastructure and skills; and give us the powers we need to achieve our net zero ambitions and create the Greenest County. 

Matthew Hicks

"The powers and funding on offer have changed since we made our initial bid in August 2021. The Government is actively progressing only the most ambitious devolution deals but, in return, is seeking greater changes to the way local government is led. Therefore, in exchange for the greatest freedoms and funding, we are now minded to pursue a model whereby the Leader of Suffolk County Council is directly elected by the people of Suffolk.

"This proposed change would not add any new levels of bureaucracy nor create any new offices. 

"In keeping with Suffolk's collaborative way of working, we have developed this deal in partnership with our district and borough colleagues, the Police and Crime Commissioner and our MPs. It will now be taken forward to public consultation with Suffolk's communities and businesses."

Andrew Stringer, Suffolk County Council's official opposition leader , believes no matter how the appointment is dressed up, it will not benefit county residents.

He said: "This looks like a really bad idea with no accountability and a recipe for disaster for the people of Suffolk.

"You would have the council led by someone who isn't a councillor, who doesn't have their own ward and may not even be from the same party as the majority of the councillors.

"What happens if you get someone elected who doesn't share the views of most councillors? Nothing would get done."